first post on new site. My wife thought she saw one in the sky yesterday. It rained last night. 2 were sitting on gourd rack this morning.
Let the season begin.
Lewis
2 adult males in Newnan GA
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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.
Lewis,
I am so glad that you have purple martins have arrived. I know they will be as safe as possible at your colony.
My sister in Seguin, TX has had martins at her K-Series 18 Gourd Rack for one week. As you recall, she had a severe problem with European Starlings freely entering through the Conley II entrances on the Troyer Horizontal Gourds.
After she completed the Lewis modification to the Conley II entrances, she has not even seen starlings try to enter. She is so happy for your advise!
She has never seen a purple martin have any problems entering through the Lewis SREH.
Mark.
I am so glad that you have purple martins have arrived. I know they will be as safe as possible at your colony.
My sister in Seguin, TX has had martins at her K-Series 18 Gourd Rack for one week. As you recall, she had a severe problem with European Starlings freely entering through the Conley II entrances on the Troyer Horizontal Gourds.
After she completed the Lewis modification to the Conley II entrances, she has not even seen starlings try to enter. She is so happy for your advise!
She has never seen a purple martin have any problems entering through the Lewis SREH.
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.