Background: We live in E. TX on a 114,500 surface acre lake (Lake Sam Rayburn) on 4 acres. Basically sourrounded by national forest. We have been landlords since 2010. Our firsrt year we had 5 pair and currently (as of 2014) have 52 pair. I feel sure we could attract many more birds, but at this stage in our lives managing 56 nesting boxes is our limit.
Until this year we had used round entrance holes. Note: We have no HOSP and had no Starlings until...yes, of course, until we had Starlings this year. We posted our dilemma and took the advice of our wonderful "Louise" and changed out 48 gourds mid-season from round to crescent. This was hard to watch...but we did it! The females adapted much more quickly than the males. We still have a Quad Pod: (2) pods/8 housing units to transition to crescent. We have some issues with this unit but will make sure it is SREH for 2015.
The REAL Question: Our little rual neighborhood is growing. Approx. 2 miles from us 8 homes have been built. If any/some start feeding with the "cheap bird food mix" is that going to attract HOSP? (I have "heard" that mix is a haven for HOSP). If so, what should be our first line of defense? Just trying to prepare for our next "encounter"...The glass is still half full!
EDIT: Is it possible that we have not yet encountered HOSP due to our rual location?
I will be thankful for any thoughts!
Wishing the best to all of you! Tammy Winger
? Re: Starlings & HOSP
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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..
I would suggest buying you a sparrow trap..look and see what the PMCA has to offer...I use the Blaine's and it has worked wonders for me.. I noticed on your profile you have all Bo 11 gourds and I don't think they make a trap insert for that gourd like the Troyer gourds have....good luck, those pests are never ending!
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!!!!!
Thanks Tony! We (Me & my "Mr." discussed a "Blaine's" today. Although the Bo 11's are great gourds we have learned that "trapping" is not easy!
Truly appreciate your input~Tammy
Truly appreciate your input~Tammy
Chet & Tammy Winger
PMCA Members
PMCA Members
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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
My suggestion is to trap (or shoot) them. Its impossible to tell all the friends and neighbors that they should not feed sparrows. I would get one of each, one bait trap, and one nestbox trap.
The nestbox trap works good hanging on a nearby shed, or hanging under the housing. Sparrows and starlings will almost always go to the bottom trap.
The bait trap may need some moving, to see where they like to feed.
The nestbox trap works good hanging on a nearby shed, or hanging under the housing. Sparrows and starlings will almost always go to the bottom trap.
The bait trap may need some moving, to see where they like to feed.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
Tammy,
Check out this thread on strategic HOSP trapping.
Just resolve yourself that you will have to deal with them and get prepared in advance. Sadly, it is inevitable.
http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic ... =hosp+trap
Check out this thread on strategic HOSP trapping.
Just resolve yourself that you will have to deal with them and get prepared in advance. Sadly, it is inevitable.
http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic ... =hosp+trap
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
I have thanked TonyG....and I am now thanking Emil and KathyF for your time and advice.
It may sound "silly" but I am honored that the 3 of you who are so respected for your knowledge of Purple Martins took the time to responded to me.
Wishing the best to all! Tammy
It may sound "silly" but I am honored that the 3 of you who are so respected for your knowledge of Purple Martins took the time to responded to me.
Wishing the best to all! Tammy
Chet & Tammy Winger
PMCA Members
PMCA Members