Closing Houses
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Becky
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:06 pm
- Location: Houston - Oak Forest
- Martin Colony History: first pair in 2010, 12 pairs last several years
This morning I closed the martin houses to prevent the sparrows from building nests, and afterwards had 20 martins visiting my site on the power lines. Should I keep the houses open until they leave the area? The martins all fledged 3 plus weeks ago and no longer appear to be staying in the gourds/houses at night. I must say this has been a special season for me because it's the first time after the babies fledged that they returned to the gourds at night. So grateful for the kinder/cooler temperatures and ample rain/bugs this season in my area. What a great joy to finally observe them after fledging and it's so wonderful to still have them still visiting this late in the season. I wonder if they go to the roost at night and come back during the day and early evening.
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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
Its ok to leave the houses closed. The martins may visit but they usually do not enter the housing. Its a good idea to keep away the sparrows and starlings during the offseason. Congratulations on a great season!
I take my gourds down a week or two after the martins fledge, and store the gourds on the garage ceiling. I try to have them all cleaned and put away before hurricanes come.
I take my gourds down a week or two after the martins fledge, and store the gourds on the garage ceiling. I try to have them all cleaned and put away before hurricanes come.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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Becky
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:06 pm
- Location: Houston - Oak Forest
- Martin Colony History: first pair in 2010, 12 pairs last several years
Thanks Emil. It was fun watching them until recently landing on their gourds still claiming their homes during the day even though they didn't appear to over night in them but I haven't observed this in the last week and the sparrows were moving in, so had to stop it. Do you know if they are roosting down in Sugar Land where they'd been in previous years? I didn't get to visit the roost last year nor the one off 1960 and 249 for a couple years.
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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
Yes, they are at the Fountains area, same place as last year. Must be quite a few there, I saw them on radar this morning, it was easy to see them. Its in an area close to Stafford and Missouri City. We may go visit them sometimes soon.
We still have at least 3 active nests, but they are getting big, and will fledge very shortly. I was taking down gourds, and found one with a bunch of martins in it, so I quickly replaced it. I didn't know that there was an active nest on that gourd rack.
I removed and cleaned 63 gourds today, still got a bunch left.
We still have at least 3 active nests, but they are getting big, and will fledge very shortly. I was taking down gourds, and found one with a bunch of martins in it, so I quickly replaced it. I didn't know that there was an active nest on that gourd rack.
I removed and cleaned 63 gourds today, still got a bunch left.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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Becky
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:06 pm
- Location: Houston - Oak Forest
- Martin Colony History: first pair in 2010, 12 pairs last several years
Wow! Emil, you are a real inspiration to clean my houses early this year (always end up doing it when it's cold in January at the last minute). Is it unusual for you to still have babies mid July?
I was saddened to discover two martin houses down the street were gone after the owners sold their property and their house was leveled late winter/early spring. Thinking I may need to replace my plastic barn house with another gourd rack to provide more secure housing for next year, though I still had plenty of vacancies. It's been exciting to see my colony slowly but steadily grow. I don't have the words to express the joy I feel watching them coming and going and circling in the sky overhead. My site is definitely on the map even though it's not the best of locations. Can't imagine what it's like with a colony your size. Thank you for all your loving service to the martins!
I was saddened to discover two martin houses down the street were gone after the owners sold their property and their house was leveled late winter/early spring. Thinking I may need to replace my plastic barn house with another gourd rack to provide more secure housing for next year, though I still had plenty of vacancies. It's been exciting to see my colony slowly but steadily grow. I don't have the words to express the joy I feel watching them coming and going and circling in the sky overhead. My site is definitely on the map even though it's not the best of locations. Can't imagine what it's like with a colony your size. Thank you for all your loving service to the martins!
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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.
Emil,
I am going to piggyback this topic.
My last pair fledged their single baby 10 days ago. I have not seen them for 2 days. So yesterday I took advantage of my son's help and took down the house, cleaned it up and put it away for storage until next year.
Last night at dusk, the parents, ASY male/SY female, returned with their HY! They flew around the exact site of the house and all 3 landed in the top of a nearby tree. They stayed there for the night.
Should I put the house back up today or is it safe to leave it down?
What a rookie mistake. My wife is not making it any better by telling me, "Stupid is as stupid does!"
Mark.
I am going to piggyback this topic.
My last pair fledged their single baby 10 days ago. I have not seen them for 2 days. So yesterday I took advantage of my son's help and took down the house, cleaned it up and put it away for storage until next year.
Last night at dusk, the parents, ASY male/SY female, returned with their HY! They flew around the exact site of the house and all 3 landed in the top of a nearby tree. They stayed there for the night.
Should I put the house back up today or is it safe to leave it down?
What a rookie mistake. My wife is not making it any better by telling me, "Stupid is as stupid does!"
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.
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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
Mark, they will be ok. I doubt that they would use the house again this season, but I never have had that happen so I do not know for sure.
When martins are under hawk pressure, they will leave almost immediately after fledging, and I feel sure that they make it. So yours will survive, especially since they are still with the parents. Just my opinion
When martins are under hawk pressure, they will leave almost immediately after fledging, and I feel sure that they make it. So yours will survive, especially since they are still with the parents. Just my opinion
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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Anthony Neira
- Posts: 1319
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:12 pm
- Location: San Antonio /Texas
- Martin Colony History: Started in 1992 From neighbors old 1950-60's colonies. Have 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 4 MPP Poles, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals ,& 2 S&K 11" WITH Troyer Porches ready for 2019 Season !
Becky, of course ALL of the advice above is great & I would Never challenge it. But, I have what I call Martin season part 2. I'll put away 10 houses & keep one up by mid. Aug. I have to keep Sparrows away, but until mid Nov. we get a real kick out of hearing migrating P.Ms stop & rest at the house. I was really jealous of 2 " chunky " twins that perched on top one time, & I thought " Man ! Some landlord did a great job !" The other , if we know a storm is coming (esp. from the North!) is to watch the house to see if a P.M will " ride out the storm ". I'll Never forget, as the sky turned dark, and the rain started to fall, a P.M, landed on the porch (facing south), looked in, then to each side, & went in to stay dry,warm (?) & be protected. That will always make my season. Good luck & best wishes for next season.
PMCA Member, 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals + Tunnels, & 2 S&K Bo 11"s WITH Troyer Porches ! 4 MPPs, For 2019 Season !! 
Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.
Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.-
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.
I went back to the office this afternoon and had decided that if I saw my purple martins I would put the house back up.
Low and behold, they were flying high cover. When I got out of the car, the ASY male swooped down and made a single, soulful, pleading chirp at me. I don't think I have ever heard that kind of chirp before. They have had 2 hours now to observe that their house is back up again.
Even if they do not roost in the house again this season, I could not resist that chirp. I am convinced that was his way of pleading to me, "Please put my house back up."
I will never make that mistake again.
Call me a sucker.
Mark.
Low and behold, they were flying high cover. When I got out of the car, the ASY male swooped down and made a single, soulful, pleading chirp at me. I don't think I have ever heard that kind of chirp before. They have had 2 hours now to observe that their house is back up again.
Even if they do not roost in the house again this season, I could not resist that chirp. I am convinced that was his way of pleading to me, "Please put my house back up."
I will never make that mistake again.
Call me a sucker.
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.
Couple of years ago I took down the house shortly after the residents fledged and found other overnight accomodations. Next morning I was greeted by an angry mob of Martins buzzing the empty space where their house once stood. Had to drag the house out and put it back up on the pole to get them calmed down. Now I just clean out the compartments and leave it up until the roost disappears later in the fall. If sparrows get too pesky I plug the entrances.
2025 - 15 pair, 56 fledged
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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.
Don,
I can now visualize what happened to you. The martins will tell you what they want if you just listen to them.
Your martins fussed at you. Mine pleaded with me.
I immediately called my sister in Seguin, TX and told her to keep her gourd rack up. Her immediate response was, "How dare you take their house prematurely, even I know better than that!"
Love you too, Little Sis.
Mark.
I can now visualize what happened to you. The martins will tell you what they want if you just listen to them.
Your martins fussed at you. Mine pleaded with me.
I immediately called my sister in Seguin, TX and told her to keep her gourd rack up. Her immediate response was, "How dare you take their house prematurely, even I know better than that!"
Love you too, Little Sis.
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.
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Connie
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:05 pm
- Location: WALKER, LOUISIANA
- Martin Colony History: Had my site up to 22 gourds of which most (+/-3) stayed occupied.
Downsized to 17 gourds due to back surgeries. Had 14 families in 2017 but did not do nest checks due to health. Feeling better in 2018 and hoping for a good year.
Mark,
I'm sorry your sister and wife are fussing at you! I was thinking of doing the same thing so I am glad I saw your post!! You know us women...we have to get our 2 cents in every chance we get...
I'm sorry your sister and wife are fussing at you! I was thinking of doing the same thing so I am glad I saw your post!! You know us women...we have to get our 2 cents in every chance we get...
Connie