So do Martins need a porch to enter gourds. The super gourds do come with porches so are they really needed? Surfing some Bluebird sites it was noted not to put on a porch as a deterrent to sparrows. So if Martins don’t need a porch and it helps with the HS why put them on?
Steve
Porches on gourds - Are they really needed
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Ed Svetich-WI
- Posts: 815
- Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:05 pm
- Location: Brooks, Wi (McGinnis Lake)
- Martin Colony History: 24 Super and Excluder Gourds on two gourd racks, all SREH. Full occupancy. My philosophy is to maximize fledge % with existing cavities rather than adding gourds to grow colony, thus providing opportunities for new colony expansion. Fledge over 100 nestlings yearly from 24 gourds. Band nestlings in cooperation with state university. 2019 Adendum: Reduced colony size to 12 gourds to focus on more intensive management regimen.
As others have shared in past posts over the years, it is possible for martins to enter gourds without a porch. However, it is much easier for them if a porch is present, especially if SREH are used, which I assume you have. You do not say if you have an active colony or are still trying. If still trying, why make it more difficult for any martins attracted to your site?
As an aside, interior porches add some additional predator protection. I have observed nestlings use the interior porch to hide under when I am doing nest replacements.
Why not install the porches?
Ed
As an aside, interior porches add some additional predator protection. I have observed nestlings use the interior porch to hide under when I am doing nest replacements.
Why not install the porches?
Ed
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Whippy
- Posts: 1023
- Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 11:15 pm
- Location: Plano, Texas
- Martin Colony History: See Signature
I use porches on my gourds as well as SREH. I watch my pair return every night if possible and, although they are quite used to the SREH, they still hit the porch before diving in. They use it all day long for various reasons but I believe its a nice transition for them to use when coming in and out..
Also. The porch allows them to sit outside and yell at the one inside. Or a visitor will sit on it and yell at both occupants inside.
I also have inside porches which allow a bit more protection if needed.
Coolwhips
Also. The porch allows them to sit outside and yell at the one inside. Or a visitor will sit on it and yell at both occupants inside.
I also have inside porches which allow a bit more protection if needed.
Coolwhips
2016 - many visitors
2017 - 1 pair, 3 fledged
2018- 2 pair, 12 fledged
2019 - 4 pair, 21 fledged
2020 - 15 pair, 67 fledged
2021 - 29 pair, 117 fledged
2022 - 35 pair, 130 fledged
2023 - 43 pair, 196 fledged
2017 - 1 pair, 3 fledged
2018- 2 pair, 12 fledged
2019 - 4 pair, 21 fledged
2020 - 15 pair, 67 fledged
2021 - 29 pair, 117 fledged
2022 - 35 pair, 130 fledged
2023 - 43 pair, 196 fledged
I have a T-14 and 36 natural gourds with clinger entrances, all porchless. No problems for the martins and NO starlings! 49 pair last year. I do have tailprops on the bottom compartment of the T-14.
First pair in 2005
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John Miller
- Posts: 4863
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
martins seem to really enjoy sitting on the porches. If one decides to keep things simple and not use them, I suggest enlarging the crescent a hair to 1 7/32. This just allows martins to catapult in a little more easily, but with no porch starlings generally cannot. The crescent probably is the only SREH I'd suggest for no porch, and enlarged very slightly. No porch also is more workable with a gourd that has a deep front to provide a prop for the martin's tail and a gourd with some grip under the cresent. Supergourds do have a rough surface texture under the opening. Natural gourds probably provide the best opportunity to go without a porch. The rough edge is easily gripped by martins, but be careful not to get the crescent entrance too large, and it can enlarge from wear over time.