Gourd questions

[Heavy_D]

Here in Kansas City we are cold and snowy but the Martins will be back soon! This will be my third year trying and I had many more visitors in year 2 than year 1. Last year I added the "Create a Rack Gourd Arms" below the house. Does the angle at which the gourds hang matter to the martins. I set up the rack according to the instructions but the entries appear to pitch downward. It looks "wrong" to me but do the martins really care?

[C.C.Martins]

Well if it looks off to you can it be straightened? Im a little OCD when it comes to the porches, and orientation...where you are id bet wind is a consideration. What type of gourds do you have?
Tunnel entrances or staight porches? Side to side swining is ok, dont want them rocking back to back but some do and they are fine however with a low porch rocking may be an issue.
Like i said, im OCD and minimised any rocking just less to worry about. Remember if they look low now picture 2 martins and nestlings at the entrance at the same time. A picture would help you get more feedback.
Tom

[Whippy]

Heavy,

I worked very hard to keep my gourds from leaning forwards. My reasoning for this is that I noticed that the Martins like to be at the very back of their cavity away from the entrance. If the gourd is leaning forward, it will lend an opportunity of the eggs and babies to move forward in windy conditions. I have no facts to support this but, common sense and knowledge of angles and forces makes me believe this.

I have one Bo11 with an added porch on it that is currently leaning forward and I plan to fix it tomorrow. The easy fix is to change the center of gravity by use of your hanger system. So the hanging point of this gourd will be moved forward towards the front to offset the extra weight of the added tunnel. I'll use a 3 or 4 inch eye bolt with two lock nuts. Then I'll add a rain guard above that to keep them dry. I use a 2" PVC cap and cut slits into it to fit it over the hanger arm. I'll send a photo when I get it done if you like to see it.

Coolwhips.

[Dave Duit]

Hi Heavy D,
I would suggest looking at images online to see how your set up matches your set up as related to pitch of gourds.

[Wildriver]

What is the best gourd to use? I used nature made gourds about 15 years ago but the owls would chew the entrance open bigger and destroy the nest. I just purchased an eight pack of the Troyer horizontal, with conley entrances. Does it not need owl bars? I thought I would try gourds again below my three T-14 houses as the southern landlords have good luck with them.
One thing that has really changed at my colony in Northwestern Wisconsin is the number of bald eagles hanging around my martin colony. I know my owl attacks have gone down and I do not see great horned owls sitting at my colony site at sun down. Past years the owls would come sit in the trees, looking over my houses. In the morning I would find martin feathers all over the ground. I tried putting a cage on top of the houses, but it wasn't until I discovered the T-14 design that I was able to rebuild my colony. I had older ranch style houses. I hope the new Troyer gourds will have strong enough entrances that cannot be chewed open.
Last year I watched three bald eagles hunt a duck in the lake. The duck would dive underwater and when it came up for air, the eagles would try and grab it. Eventually the duck got too tired and one of eagles got it. Thankfully they leave the martins alone. However I am happy they are patrolling the owls looking at my houses. I think the eagle would attack the owl, just like the duck.
In the morning not only do I hear the martins, but the chirping sounds of bald eagles. Nice to have some help with the owls!

[Chris B]

I put plastic S&K entrances on my natural gourds that can't be eaten. They love a big natural gourd, and also I try to put the depression, if there is one. toward the back so they kinda settle down in there. IMO a level porch is best, but you have to drill the mounting hole straight if you mount on rods, and I suggest that you do. BTW, big box HDWE store 3/8 AL rod is junk. Use 6061-T6 from "aircraft Spruce", who will cut it to length.

[Heavy_D]

Thank you for the responses.

I'll try to post some pictures when the weather and my work schedule allow.

[Wildriver]

I put plastic S&K entrances on my natural gourds that can't be eaten. They love a big natural gourd, and also I try to put the depression, if there is one. toward the back so they kinda settle down in there. IMO a level porch is best, but you have to drill the mounting hole straight if you mount on rods, and I suggest that you do. BTW, big box HDWE store 3/8 AL rod is junk. Use 6061-T6 from "aircraft Spruce", who will cut it to length.

Thanks for the tips Chris, S&k entrance on the big natural gourd. You are lucky to live in Alabama, where you can grow gourds. I got these gourds from a farmer near Foley Alabama when I stopped at his colony during a spring break trip to Orange Beach. It was all new to me as I never used a gourd before. He gave me a few to bring home. It is kind of special to use a natural gourd.

[Chris B]

If you like the shape KEEP THE SEEDS!!! as have sent them places further north from you. GL with your season.