I have a 6 gourd set up, and have my first year martins, 3 pair! So i am very happy about that. I use the S&K 9 ingourd with the SREH, and cling plate vs porches. Martins come and go freely with the cling plates. That's a new concept for me but it works. I like it because the Starlings, while the will land and try to go in, they cannot. However, they will stick there heads the SREH. Yesterday i saw one do that to one of the gourds that houses a pesky sparrow and he pulle the nest out. I romove the sparrow nest once every two days as i cannot shoot them and there is no trap made for a S & K SREH gourd. The Starlings are relentless in the morning attacks. My fear is that the Starlings will do the same to the martin occupied gourds. I know tunnels help to prevent Starlings from doing this , but what i don't know is:
Has anybody been successful in putting tunnels on the S & K 9 inch gourd with SREH?
Starlings - morning murauders!
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Mhoover
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 10:30 am
- Location: Indiana/Monticello - White County
- Martin Colony History: Started with 2 pair in 2014 - 7 eggs -7 fledged
I use the standard crescent openings on my BO-9s and have not had a starling get into one yet. They can get their heads in but are unable to go any further.
2017-5 pair
2016-4 pair- 18 hatched-18 fledged
2015-1 pair -Both ASY- 6 eggs-5 fledged
2014-2 pair- 1 ASY-M/SY-F-1 ASY pair - 7 eggs-7 fledged
PMCA Member
2016-4 pair- 18 hatched-18 fledged
2015-1 pair -Both ASY- 6 eggs-5 fledged
2014-2 pair- 1 ASY-M/SY-F-1 ASY pair - 7 eggs-7 fledged
PMCA Member
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Chuck4
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
- Location: North MS
- Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.
2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).
Volkmerk, I have the S&K bo9 and 11 gourds with tunnels and crescents. I put the tunnels on last October. I am so glad I did. Starlings can't do any damage to nests! I HIGHLY recommend them. I have seen numerous Starlings land and try, but they can't do anything.
PMCA Member
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VA man and Chuck4, thanks for the info on the tunnels that S&K make for the 9 inch gourd. I will be ordering and putting on for next season. I have three pair of martins (first time) nesting and do not want to disturb them this year.
That will keep those pesky Starling at a distance.
I learn so much from you Veteran Landlords.
That will keep those pesky Starling at a distance.
I learn so much from you Veteran Landlords.
NewMartinMan
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Chuck4
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
- Location: North MS
- Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.
2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).
He he, I'd hardly call myself a veteranvolkmerk wrote:I learn so much from you Veteran Landlords.
, I'm only in my second year with pairs that will breed, although I have been at it trying to attract them for several years. You do learn a bunch! Funny thing is, I didn't have any issues with HOSP or Starlings last year at all, but after getting my first successful pair, I wanted s little bit of insurance for the next season. The HOSP and Starlings have been an issue this year.PMCA Member
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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.
Chuck,
You may be modest, but I have seen pictures and videos which document that you are a veteran. Your knowledge base that you have acquired from reading and studying this Forum are reflected in your posts.
Mark.
You may be modest, but I have seen pictures and videos which document that you are a veteran. Your knowledge base that you have acquired from reading and studying this Forum are reflected in your posts.
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.