Well, we’re headed to mid-June, and I’ve had a number of PUMA visitors but no occupants in my new housing. While everything is still fresh, I want to debrief my actions and thought process this year in order to hopefully make next year more successful.
Feedback and critique are welcome from all!
March 2016
-Caught the PUMA bug and decided to raise a house this year. Consulted the PMCA Forum as my primary source of knowledge and guidance, which turned out to be a fabulous resource!
-Befriended local landlord Jess Hahn and Bill Wenger, who provided excellent guidance as well.
-Decided to raise a T-14 w/ four THG. Decision was based on wanting to raise housing “once-and-done”, and to use proven housing even if it cost a little more initially. Jess suggested including gourds because some PUMAs tend to prefer them.
-Determined T-14 location based on feedback from the PMCA Forum. My site is limited in size and I wanted to choose the optimal location, keeping consistent with “once-and-done”. The location maximized fly-ways and maintained proper distances from trees as best it could.
-Raised T-14 w/ THGs on March 20th . All entrances closed.
April 2016
-Moved existing Bluebird box and added Tree Swallow box within 20’ of T-14 in accordance with Drew Protocol. (Bluebirds nested in mid-April, Tree Swallows never nested.)
-Played Dawn Song daily from early morning through evening.
-Splashed mud on T-14/Gourds and kept entrances closed.
May 2016
-Played Dawn Song daily
-Performed bi-weekly checks of housing to keep out wasps, etc.
-Received first PUMA visitors, 4 SYs on 5/24. Opened four gourds and eight T-14 compartments. (4 SYs visited daily for a few days but never remained).
-Controlled HOSP and EUST. Fortunately never had many to begin with.
June 2016
-Played Dawn Song daily
-Received a few more single SYs but no takers
What to improve for next year
-Add pine straw and mirrors to a few of the gourds
Based on what I’ve learned through this forum, there is still a chance that some SYs may come around so I will keep the Dawn Song going and will keep the T-14 up through the end of the season.
Any feedback or thoughts?
Thank you in advance! The members of this forum have been my biggest single source of knowledge and guidance!
2016 PUMA Season Debrief
Sounds like you've got thing's covered !!!
I to have a t-14 and my martin's always peek inside but they always choose my THG'S W/the conley 2 tunnels.I think next year I'm going to replace the s&k cresent opening tunnels with the conley 2 tunnels that I have on all my gourds....from your post you seem to be dedicated and that's rule no 1 in the landlord world,hang in there my friend you WILL succed !....BernDog
I to have a t-14 and my martin's always peek inside but they always choose my THG'S W/the conley 2 tunnels.I think next year I'm going to replace the s&k cresent opening tunnels with the conley 2 tunnels that I have on all my gourds....from your post you seem to be dedicated and that's rule no 1 in the landlord world,hang in there my friend you WILL succed !....BernDog
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Thanks for the reply, BernDog.
The subs took a lot of interest in my gourds as well, and entered them immediately upon landing. On the second day, two subs spent about five minutes in one of the gourds which gave me a lot of hope.
Hopefully we'll still get some action this year.
Dave
The subs took a lot of interest in my gourds as well, and entered them immediately upon landing. On the second day, two subs spent about five minutes in one of the gourds which gave me a lot of hope.
Hopefully we'll still get some action this year.
Dave