Rack changes

Gauxt · Sat Jan 06, 2018 8:47 am

Last year, two racks with an old Trio and Troyers on each pole. A mix of round and connley holes. 12 pair that used both hole types.

This year, removed the Trio's, added more Troyers and converted the existing rounds to connleys.

Just wondering if I can expect any adverse reaction from returning birds..........?

mjfog · Sat Jan 06, 2018 11:06 am

Hi Gauxt - Your question regarding "adverse" reactions by returning martins to your 2018 housing changes remains to be answered. I'm new to this conservation effort (put up my first set of 6 gourds last month) but have read that martins become somewhat fixated on the colony they have used over the years. I would be surprised if the minor changes you made would negatively affect this year's occupancy. If the 2018 season is a disappointing, I would suspect other factors; migration problems, loss of some of your former residents on the winter range, etc. Maybe some forum folks will chime in on your concern. Wishing you a successful season.
P.S. Have an old college buddy in Prairieville. Lives in Manchac Highlands. I was a student at LSU from '58 - '65. From New Orleans and really miss the po-boys. Living in Florida since graduation. I'll keep in touch regarding my success or lack thereof.
Geaux Tigers!

Gauxt · Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:18 pm

Hey Mj. Man that was a long stint at LSU, must have 2 or 3 degrees.....:], joking. You're in a prime area to get going with birds, good luck with it and keep us posted.

Archer · Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:05 pm

At a local bird fair last spring, I sold a set of Crescent plates to a Landlord have trouble with starlings. I recently connected with him to find out how the martins had made the adjustment from round holes. As suspected, he informed me that it took the returning martins about one day to accept the new openings. His colony grew last summer and he was very happy with the starling protection.

mjfog · Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:22 pm

Hi Gauxt - Yes, had a ball at LSU. My Wildlife Management Masters degree was a three year stint but I took the grant because it paid $225 a month! Had two kids then so I needed the $. I was doing an inventory of the existing salt ppms in the marshes east of Lake Calcasieu prior to the expected increases from the Gulf to the area thru the to be enlarged ship channel near Cameron, LA.
Working in the yard today and while taking junk to the curb saw swallows overhead! Martins? No, tree swallows. Maybe groups of 20 to 40 birds; active until around 3:30 this PM. Still on the look-out for my first observed martin which I hope to see before the 15th of the month.