Hello,
Last year was my 1st attempt at becoming a PM landlord. I wasn't able to attract any birds last year and none so far this year. I'm pretty confident that the main reason is because of the location of the PM house. Its current location is along a very tall treeline and there are lots of shrubs and saplings (10-15-feet tall) beneath the PM house right now.
I'm thinking about moving it to a new location but wanted the forum's advice/comments on the proposed location. I'm pretty much handcuffed as far as available install locations on my property, but the one spot I'm thinking is fairly close to my house. Its roughly 15-20 foot from my house and about 20-feet from my neighbors house. I've attached photos and wanted to get all of your suggestions on this.
Has anyone else had success with the PM house installed extremely close to their house? Am I wasting my time? I appreciate all your responses.
***I live in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Any success w/ PM house installed close to your house?
Actually about 40 feet from your house would be good unless wires are there where hawks can jump on tthem i moved two of my t-14s close to the house this year and it helped. Good luck and i hope you get 50 martins
hopefully a little less then 40 may work as long as they have a good flight path exit
hopefully a little less then 40 may work as long as they have a good flight path exit
2015 69 pairs 418 eggs 396 fledged
2019 I have 148 openings now
2016 100 pairs 600 babies fledged added another t-14 and have 126 openings now
2015 Jun 24 360 babies and 58 eggs also found one that had died
2017 632 babies 11died and 20 were killed by hawks
2015 74 pairs and 9 eggs 5/14
2010 3pairss
]JOINED PMCA JUNE 6,2018
2018 651 babies 5 hawk kills 11 floater kills 25 died in houses and 610 fledged
2014 80 pairs 283 babies 282 fledged one died
2019 I have 148 openings now
2016 100 pairs 600 babies fledged added another t-14 and have 126 openings now
2015 Jun 24 360 babies and 58 eggs also found one that had died
2017 632 babies 11died and 20 were killed by hawks
2015 74 pairs and 9 eggs 5/14
2010 3pairss
]JOINED PMCA JUNE 6,2018
2018 651 babies 5 hawk kills 11 floater kills 25 died in houses and 610 fledged
2014 80 pairs 283 babies 282 fledged one died
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klcretired
- Posts: 2174
- Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2003 3:06 am
- Location: Grand Prairie,Tx
yes i have had great success attracting Martins and having a colony for years , I have a small back yard so my Gourd Rack and my LS Goliad House both are only 25 ft from The House that i live in , also i Have a S & S Repeating Trap only 20 ft from my Colony and have never caught any Martins in it or other native birds. as long as the martins have fly zones you will be ok, I did put up alot of decoys and play the Dawnsong/Daytime Chatter until i attracted Martins.
after looking at your picture I would place the PM housing in the center of your back yard
Wishing you Luck
after looking at your picture I would place the PM housing in the center of your back yard
Wishing you Luck
Pictures Taken with Canon Rebel XT Digital using a Sigma 50-500 Long Lens.
Wishing everyone a Great Martin Year
Happy Martining for 2022 to everyone,
K.C.
[email protected]
Wishing everyone a Great Martin Year
Happy Martining for 2022 to everyone,
K.C.
[email protected]
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JL Murray
The most open area with a clear flight path is best, i personally like to put mine about 50 feet from the house and as far from a tree as i can get.
Oh and i hope you get 40 martins this year (i want the other 10)!
Oh and i hope you get 40 martins this year (i want the other 10)!
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John Miller
- Posts: 4863
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
It's not the conventional advice, but...
I have seen martin houses loaded with martins and the houses 15 feet or so from a human house. I know one site in Collinisville IL, in town, at a funeral home where the martin houses are on the back deck. I manage a site in St. Louis city at restaurant where a two story brick office building building probably is 15 feet along one side... Someone posted a photo a month ago in Dallas I think of martins in a subdivision of two-story homes but located mostly in the alley.
the important thing is to have open flyways, and looks like your proposed location does SW and NE. Martins may dislike a bank of close trees more than they dislike a building.
I do always advise a good open location, but to answer your question, yes, I know of successful colonies in similar placements.
John M
I have seen martin houses loaded with martins and the houses 15 feet or so from a human house. I know one site in Collinisville IL, in town, at a funeral home where the martin houses are on the back deck. I manage a site in St. Louis city at restaurant where a two story brick office building building probably is 15 feet along one side... Someone posted a photo a month ago in Dallas I think of martins in a subdivision of two-story homes but located mostly in the alley.
the important thing is to have open flyways, and looks like your proposed location does SW and NE. Martins may dislike a bank of close trees more than they dislike a building.
I do always advise a good open location, but to answer your question, yes, I know of successful colonies in similar placements.
John M
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Charlie Rogers
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:28 am
- Location: Tahlequah, OKla.
I have one house with PM's 15 ft from the house and one with martins that is 20 feet from the house and no trees.
Charlie
2012-1 worn out S&K house,6 compartments,
12 fledglings
2013 - 1- 6 unit Coates House w/ SREH, 1 remodeled 6 unit remoded Aluminum house with Clinger tunnels
2012-1 worn out S&K house,6 compartments,
12 fledglings
2013 - 1- 6 unit Coates House w/ SREH, 1 remodeled 6 unit remoded Aluminum house with Clinger tunnels
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Leandortree
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:10 pm
- Location: Saskatchewan/Grenfell
Hi ddonjon,
Martins require go access to their housing! Your house looks a little tall, is it two stories? The birds take off like jets, not like helicopters. I would try to find the most open spot you have. I think I would move a little more toward the back of the house, and try to stay at least 30 feet from those trees. where you have it now is not good at all , you have a better place. Again the martins need good access to the sky, I look at my martin housing as airport terminals, and that they (the martins) are jets. Funny thing is when I'm in Shanghai at the airport, I think I'm watching my martins taking off and landing. Pick the most open place you have there, and give it a try
Good luck, I have trees too, and my martin housing is close to my house also. The birds would like it to be wide open, but some of us that like them can't comply. I still have a thriving colony.
Martins require go access to their housing! Your house looks a little tall, is it two stories? The birds take off like jets, not like helicopters. I would try to find the most open spot you have. I think I would move a little more toward the back of the house, and try to stay at least 30 feet from those trees. where you have it now is not good at all , you have a better place. Again the martins need good access to the sky, I look at my martin housing as airport terminals, and that they (the martins) are jets. Funny thing is when I'm in Shanghai at the airport, I think I'm watching my martins taking off and landing. Pick the most open place you have there, and give it a try
Good luck, I have trees too, and my martin housing is close to my house also. The birds would like it to be wide open, but some of us that like them can't comply. I still have a thriving colony.
Saskatchewan "The land of living skies"
Leandortree colony
2012-46 pair 200+ Fledged
Leandortree colony
2012-46 pair 200+ Fledged
i also wanted to say at the state park 3 miles from my house a person has a martin house 20 ft from the house with starlings living in it year from year. but with a lot of the houses being so close to trees or a house, i think it is because trees grew up. or they have good things around them like my state park is lots and lots of lake. so i think if you don't have a lot of ideal things in your area they love then get the house out in the open the best you can where they love it. everyone is different but if it hasn't worked try a new spot. good luck.
2008 1 pair
2009 3 pair
2010 7 pair
2011 20 pair
2012 44 pair 280 eggs 210 fledged
2013 67 pair.
2014 67pair
2015-2022 67 pair
2009 3 pair
2010 7 pair
2011 20 pair
2012 44 pair 280 eggs 210 fledged
2013 67 pair.
2014 67pair
2015-2022 67 pair
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Caroline94535-ND
- Posts: 337
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 10:12 am
- Location: North Dakota/Larimore
- Martin Colony History: Will add later
My pole, with 16 gourds, is 30 feet from my front door, about 7 feet from the driveway and 10 feet from the street. I have no where else to put it. It's about 50 feet from the nearest tree.
It has hosted a full house since our second season here.
It has hosted a full house since our second season here.
~ Not all those who wander are lost.
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tonyg
- Posts: 1520
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
- Location: Olpe, KS
- Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..
Is there a colony nearby? That would help your situation alot. As stated, open flyways are most important. I say go for it, can't hurt anything.. Play the dawn song and good luck..
22 year landlord..9 Rack Systems for 2018 and my home built T-8 for a total of 166 cavities..160 pair in 2018 ..SUPER COLONY!!! Love You Bev... Fan of those St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!
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Greg
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 3:15 pm
- Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC
- Martin Colony History: As a child I managed a purple martin colony consisting of 3 houses on a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. I started my own colony at my house in Holly Springs, NC as an adult that grew to 27 pairs one year. In 2016 I moved and started a new colony in the spring of 2017 at my new home, which is about 7 miles south of my old colony. I successfully attracted my first ASY male in April of 2017. He quickly attracted a mate, followed by 7 more pairs. Grateful to have been able to start a new colony so quickly!
I would definitely move the house! The previous location is almost sure to never attract martins. I think the best spot on your property is basically where you are planning on putting it. I would put it as close to the property line between you and your neighbors house and 30-40 feet from that tree line. I have my housing 25 feet from my house. 15 feet from my shed, and about 35 feet from a tree line and had no problems getting martins. One thing to think about it how tall the trees are in your tree line. Mine are about 30 feet. Pretty much the taller the trees, the further away you should try to get the housing.
You are in a very high density martin population area, and being in the south, martins are not quite as picky. Martins seem to be less picky about the distance from trees in the south and in areas with high populations. I believe the two most important factors is whether they feel safe there, and whether they have an open flyway. They would have a decent fly way in that location. I would try to place it so that they have a fly way coming from your neighbors back yard, your back yard, and between your house and the neighbors house.
Good luck and hurry up! The subbies are coming!!!
You are in a very high density martin population area, and being in the south, martins are not quite as picky. Martins seem to be less picky about the distance from trees in the south and in areas with high populations. I believe the two most important factors is whether they feel safe there, and whether they have an open flyway. They would have a decent fly way in that location. I would try to place it so that they have a fly way coming from your neighbors back yard, your back yard, and between your house and the neighbors house.
Good luck and hurry up! The subbies are coming!!!
Greg H.
Holly Springs, NC
2011 - 2 pairs, 7 eggs, 7 hatch, 7 fledge
2012 - 13 pairs, 63 eggs, 52 hatched, 50 fledged
2013 - 21 pairs
2014 - 25 pairs
2015 - 27 pairs
2016 - 23 pairs removed 4 gourds this year.
2017 - moved and started a new colony which attracted 8 Pairs
2018 - first arrivals have come back....anticipating!
Holly Springs, NC
2011 - 2 pairs, 7 eggs, 7 hatch, 7 fledge
2012 - 13 pairs, 63 eggs, 52 hatched, 50 fledged
2013 - 21 pairs
2014 - 25 pairs
2015 - 27 pairs
2016 - 23 pairs removed 4 gourds this year.
2017 - moved and started a new colony which attracted 8 Pairs
2018 - first arrivals have come back....anticipating!
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GeneP
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2007 7:35 am
- Location: Kansas, Lawrence
- Martin Colony History: 1 gourd rack with 24 gourd capacity. 2018, my 11th year hosting martins.
18 pair in 2017.
Mines 15 feet off the back corner of my house. Neighbors tree about 25 feet away and 60 feet tall. Other trees within 40+ feet. You'll do alright in the new spot if you put in some effort.
Got to control the House Sparrows and Starlings.
Got to control the House Sparrows and Starlings.
PMCA Member, Single Gourd Rack, 2019 marks 12 years hosting martins.
Mine is 30 feet from my house and only 8 feet from my raised deck. I think(and I am no expert) if you have a least a couple of clear flight paths and they feel safe you can do well. And kill every HOSP you can.
I am on my deck every day and while they didn't like me around at first they don't much notice me anymore.
I am on my deck every day and while they didn't like me around at first they don't much notice me anymore.
PMCA member
2015 - 18 Gourds offered - 12 active nests, 62 eggs, 51 fledged
2014 - 18 gourds offered - 12 active nests, 52 eggs, 48 fledged
2013 - 12 gourds offered - 9 pairs, 56 eggs, 52 hatched, 49 fledged
2012 - 12 gourds offered -4 pairs, 20 eggs, 19 fledged
2011 - 6 gourds offered -1 pair, 5 eggs, 5 hatched, 5 fledged !!!!
2015 - 18 Gourds offered - 12 active nests, 62 eggs, 51 fledged
2014 - 18 gourds offered - 12 active nests, 52 eggs, 48 fledged
2013 - 12 gourds offered - 9 pairs, 56 eggs, 52 hatched, 49 fledged
2012 - 12 gourds offered -4 pairs, 20 eggs, 19 fledged
2011 - 6 gourds offered -1 pair, 5 eggs, 5 hatched, 5 fledged !!!!
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Dave Duit
- Posts: 2145
- Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Iowa / Nevada
- Martin Colony History: In 2024, 82 pair with 350 fledged youngsters. 110 total cavities available, 82 Troyer Horizontal gourds and a homemade PVC / metal 28 compartment unit, 1 fallout shelter. Hawk and owl guards included. Martin educator and speaker. President and founder of the Iowa Purple Martin Organization. Please visit Iowa Purple Martin Organization on Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627283871068161 Emails send to [email protected]. Subject line include Iowa Purple Martin.
I agree with Greg's comments. My martins houses are about 30 feet from my house with a lake on the other side . Open flyway path is good.
My one T-14 is about 15 ft away from the back deck and the other another 10ft away and no problem!
2009. 98 eggs, 66 hatch, 61 fledged.
2010. 114 eggs, 89 hatch,70 fledged.
2011. 96 eggs. 80 hatch,68 fledged.Heavy Merlin preditation.
2012. 89 eggs. 56 hatch, good fledge. Guards installed. Merlin not sighted at houses.
2013. First Egg May 24, first Baby June 13.
2014. successful.
2015. successful.
2016. Martin's population decline, suspect new housing in the neighborhood. Merlin eating well also!
2017.Population explosion
. first egg May 25 in a BO-11
2018. Population stable.
2010. 114 eggs, 89 hatch,70 fledged.
2011. 96 eggs. 80 hatch,68 fledged.Heavy Merlin preditation.
2012. 89 eggs. 56 hatch, good fledge. Guards installed. Merlin not sighted at houses.
2013. First Egg May 24, first Baby June 13.
2014. successful.
2015. successful.
2016. Martin's population decline, suspect new housing in the neighborhood. Merlin eating well also!
2017.Population explosion
. first egg May 25 in a BO-112018. Population stable.
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jr 2
- Posts: 749
- Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:20 pm
- Location: ohio,proctorville(just across ohio river from huntington,west virginia)
2 of my martin houses in my front yard are 10ft. from my front porch and 3 martin houses in back yard are about 30 ft. from back porch and this will be my 3rd year of having martins;i agree with everyone that you just need some open flyways;they fly low and inbetween the neighbors tall trees that are just on 1 side about 30 ft. away;i have no trees in my yard as i have cut them all down when i moved here 10 years ago;;jr2
PMCA member; s 2011 2 pair fledged 3; 2012 3 asy pair,4 sy pair,2013 8 asy pair,6 sy pair;2014 19 asy pair,2 sy pair
A brief montage of some of the very many occupied sites in my urban area, most within twenty feet of a house....
We have observed more than a hundred active sites like this, just in our immediate area. As others have said, as long as there is an open flyway you should be good to go.
edited in to add: I dunno how tall your beautiful home is but if the martins can see above the roof when the housing is up that will help greatly.
Mike Scully
We have observed more than a hundred active sites like this, just in our immediate area. As others have said, as long as there is an open flyway you should be good to go.
edited in to add: I dunno how tall your beautiful home is but if the martins can see above the roof when the housing is up that will help greatly.
Mike Scully