Does my house placement look good?

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mikeybotta44
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:59 pm
Location: NJ/Sparta

Image
Since some things are kinda unclear..
red line is the outline of my house.
pink circle is where the house is
green line is the outline of a tall tree
blue line is a row of smaller pine trees that are a bit taller than the pole, but have multiple gaps.


Do you feel this spot will work? The entire front of the yard is free of obstructions, besides the 3 trees in the very middle. The clump of trees at the end of the blue outline were all cut down, so that makes a total of 4 clear directions for them to fly in. I have 6 gourds being put up, so at least 3 of them will be 100% free of obstruction. Does this sound good for attracting martins?[/img]
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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.

Welcome to the forum. I'd say that it will be a struggle to attract martins. Since it looks like your neighbors are behind those pines it doesn't look like you can take out the House Sparrows and Starlings. Those two species will be attracted to the area.

As a guide, look to what the PMCA says. Trees no closer than 40 feet and preferably a minimum of 60 feet. Just my opinion but the middle of either side yard would give you a better chance.

It can take a fair amount of patience and commitment to attract martins to an imperfect site, I know.

Gene
PMCA Member, Single Gourd Rack, 2019 marks 12 years hosting martins.
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Ed Pace
Posts: 680
Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2011 3:31 pm
Location: NY/Jamestown

Hi Mike ......welcome to the forum and you have a very nice looking house. I tend to agree with Gene and for all the same reasons. I think that if it were my house I would put my housing on the side of the house where the shadows are right out in the middle if it's advantageous as far as windows go.
Ed.
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Matt F.
Posts: 3978
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:48 am
Location: Houston, TX

Hi Mikey,
I think you have a good chance of attracting Martins, where the pink spot is located.
Especially since you mentioned the tall trees at the end of the blue line were all cut down.
Image
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

It looks pretty good mike, but still think you would have a better chance if you could bring that house out near the road. You can't see it in your picture but if you zoom out the view, you can identify flight lanes in all directions, the road itself becomes a flyway. Whatever you decide mike, its worth a shot.

I seen some housing out my way that boggles my mind, tightly wrapped with trees, back yards, and they have martins, Those martins are breaking all the rules, lol.
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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mikeybotta44
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:59 pm
Location: NJ/Sparta

Thanks everyone for tips. I would love to put it out in the middle of either of our yards, only thing is my dad feels having a pole in the middle of the yard would get in the way. We are a very athletic family and commonly play sports in our yards, so I guess I can see where he is coming from.

I hope the martins will break the rules for me lol.
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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.

he good point to the location is that there is an open fly zone toward the road.
ImageMite control, heat venting, predator protection and additional feeding during bad weather add up to success.
ImageIPMO LOGO1.jpg
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Archer
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:09 pm
Location: Manitoba/Altona
Martin Colony History: six pair in 2014, have grown to 52 pairs in 2017.

Good point Mikey, hope it works out for you!
2011- first year trying, a few visitors.
2012-One ASY pair, raised two young, lots of subby visitors. So thankfull.
2013-daily subby visits.
2014-Six SY pairs
2015-18 pair, 83 fledglings
2016-36 pair, 147 fledglings
2017-52 pairs, 192 fledglings.
2018-60 pair, 246 fledglings.
2019-59 pair, 238 fledglings.
2020-62 pair.
2021-65 pair.
2022-63 pair.
2023-60 pair
2024-62 pair
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saltair
Posts: 60
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2015 1:56 pm
Location: Delaware

Give the pink spot a try. It will be a great view from the house. As far away from the trees as possible.
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rrmartins
Posts: 1441
Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:04 am
Location: Round Rock, TX

Always get rid of the outlined tree. Hope you see them soon.
2021
T14
10 Pair
49 Fledged
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Roymg
Posts: 135
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:05 pm
Location: Covngton, La

Looks good to me too.

Mine is 10 ft off a 15 ft tall Drake Elm tree and about same from my patio but open on the back side. As long as they can see it and they are in the area, you should get birds. Of course, it's easy once you establish a colony, you can move it any where you want and they will find it.

All in all, a completely open area with full access is the best. Not all of us have an available placement area that good.
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