I have been fortunate to attract martins despite a lot of trees. There are several open tracts close by:
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... drack2.jpg
Notice that there is more than one open flyway to my set up. Also it is very close to my deck. Eight feet away to be exact.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... dSetup.jpg
The reason for this post is that I do not think your location has to be ideal to perfect to start a colony. And you control the HOSPs. Trapped 10 birds today, no HOSPs, only Chipping Sparrows http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... rrow11.jpg which I promptly released.
Martins and trees
Last edited by Bulldog1 on Sun Mar 02, 2014 8:55 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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 !!!!
-
4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Bulldog,
Looks pretty open from the satellite view.
Of course, you have your feet on the ground.
Mark.
Looks pretty open from the satellite view.
Of course, you have your feet on the ground.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
That's what I was thinking. But I do agree that I think martins worry more about sparrow control then tall trees.
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
More trees than it looks like on satellite:
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0030.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0032.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0036.jpg
http://s53.photobucket.com/user/hadams1 ... 3.mp4.html
http://s53.photobucket.com/user/hadams1 ... 3.mp4.html
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0030.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0032.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0036.jpg
http://s53.photobucket.com/user/hadams1 ... 3.mp4.html
http://s53.photobucket.com/user/hadams1 ... 3.mp4.html
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 !!!!
-
Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
Yes, you are right that sometimes trees don't make any difference. I have had mild arguments with people that had a lot of trees, and they said that they were not bothered by hawks.
But then suddenly, their colony is persistently attacked by a hawk, and nearly wipes out their colony. If you think that the trees make no difference, then be prepared for serious hawk attacks. It may take 1 year, it may take 6 years, or any number, but it usually happens. I would never suggest that trees nearby is an ok thing
But then suddenly, their colony is persistently attacked by a hawk, and nearly wipes out their colony. If you think that the trees make no difference, then be prepared for serious hawk attacks. It may take 1 year, it may take 6 years, or any number, but it usually happens. I would never suggest that trees nearby is an ok thing
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
-
4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Bulldog,
I am still learning after 57 year. But in my humble opinion, that is currently a good location.
I think that your increasing number of nesting pairs and fledglings speak for itself.
How can the purple martins object to the excellent care that you provide them?
Attn: Purple Martins. Fly the Mississippi River flyway, turn ENE at Greenville, MS and head to Hamilton, MS. Stop at Bulldog1's site, fill his site full and prosper.
Don't come any further north yet. Too cold this week.
Mark.
I am still learning after 57 year. But in my humble opinion, that is currently a good location.
I think that your increasing number of nesting pairs and fledglings speak for itself.
How can the purple martins object to the excellent care that you provide them?
Attn: Purple Martins. Fly the Mississippi River flyway, turn ENE at Greenville, MS and head to Hamilton, MS. Stop at Bulldog1's site, fill his site full and prosper.
Don't come any further north yet. Too cold this week.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Emil, point taken. There is always the "chain saw solution" if necessary.
Mark - Live long and prosper. - Spock reference.
Mark - Live long and prosper. - Spock reference.
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 !!!!
-
4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Bulldog,
I will tend to agree with Emil's forecast.
I defer to his expertise.
You obviously caught my inference to Spock.
Mark.
I will tend to agree with Emil's forecast.
I defer to his expertise.
You obviously caught my inference to Spock.
Mark.
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Mon Mar 03, 2014 12:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
I don't believe that's what he was suggesting.Emil Pampell-Tx wrote:I would never suggest that trees nearby is an ok thing
As he stated "The reason for this post is that I do not think your location has to be ideal to perfect to start a colony."
There are many folks that might want to attract Martins, but may be discouraged from even trying, since they don't have a completely open location, and may not be able to remove nearby trees (not on their property)
Bulldog's post, may give some potential landlords hope, the drive to try, and perhaps even be rewarded with a colony, as in Bulldog's case.
The picture does show more trees. How many feet away are they? I have heard they need to be at least 25 -40 ft. 40 being best. Mine are 30 feet. Just 2 apple trees. But I do catch hawks trying to sneak up threw the neighbors trees. They are always spotted by a redwing blk bird. But I agree with the chainsaw if need be.
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
-
Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
Matt, you are right, hope, and drive to try are worthwhile projects. I like to look at it in a different way, like the actor Joe Friday in the detective series, I just like to deal with the facts. I more than you or anyone else would like to see every landlord have a bunch of martins, but sometimes it just does not turn out that way.
Martin housing can be expensive. Some mfg companies offer cheap housing that is far from being the best, but they give people a chance to see if they want to or are able to have martins, and I like that. I just hate to see people spend money when their chances are slim at best, its like asking them to waste their money.
Martin housing can be expensive. Some mfg companies offer cheap housing that is far from being the best, but they give people a chance to see if they want to or are able to have martins, and I like that. I just hate to see people spend money when their chances are slim at best, its like asking them to waste their money.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
chickadee - The large oaks are 75 feet away, the bradford pears are 45 feet away.
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 !!!!
-
~Ray~Gingerich
- Posts: 2122
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:24 pm
- Location: Delaware/Dover
If the tree is standing out in open and martins can get a clear view of the area around the tree 75 ft isn't bad. Even if you have no trees at all your martins will still go to trees to collect leaves for their nests.
~Ray~ Gingerich
1999 1pair, 2006 2 pair, 2008 2 pair,
2009 23 pair, 2010 39 pair, 2011 67 pair,
2012 115 pair, 2013 160 pair,
2014 152 pair, 2015 174 pair, 2016 178 pair
2017 187 pair, 2018 200 pair, 2019 171pair
2020 233 pair
1999 1pair, 2006 2 pair, 2008 2 pair,
2009 23 pair, 2010 39 pair, 2011 67 pair,
2012 115 pair, 2013 160 pair,
2014 152 pair, 2015 174 pair, 2016 178 pair
2017 187 pair, 2018 200 pair, 2019 171pair
2020 233 pair
-
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..
You mentioned "more than one flyway"... That there is one key to help attract the martins if you're a wanna be...I moved from the country and tried to restart my colony in a residential area to no avail... There were established Martin sites around me but I had no open fly ways. They would visit my site, but never stay...I said enough of that crap, moved back to the country for the last 10 yrs and you can see on my profile how well I'm doing now!! I have the tendency to agree with Emil... 
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!!!!!
-
Phil Spitler
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2011 3:12 pm
- Location: Chesapeake, VA
Bulldog I have a Bradford pear about 20 feet from my site and they actually love it they pull there nest leaves from it by the end of nest season the top of the tree is just sticks where they took all the leaves off
When God gives you martins love and admire them when God gives you starlings shoot em