Yet another TS post

Zheeeem · Sat May 04, 2019 10:34 am

If I ever say tree swallows are cute again, shoot me.

Last year I had a brief TS invasion, but they soon left and were replaced by PMs. I thought this year might be similar. Wrong.

This year, a trio of TSs have occupied my T-14. I gave them a few days to leave, but then noticed nesting behavior, copulation, and chasing off curious PMs. Bad. I went to the emergency protocol - shut down the T-14 and set up a bluebird house about 35 feet away. This was 6 days ago. Gradually, the TSs have stopped visiting the T-14, though they have not taken up nesting in the bluebird house. I'm getting a few PM visits, and they've actually tried to remove the paper towels I've used to plug the openings. But because every so often I get a solitary TS visit, I'm keeping the holes plugged for now. Keeping the TS away is more important than allowing PMs access; rule 3.

I'm wondering 2 things:

1. When is it safe to open the cavities again? Too early would obviously be bad, so I'm patient. But it's starting to get on in the season, and I don't want to wait too long.

2. Should I open all the cavities at once? Or maybe just a few? I'm leaning to all at once, except the one cavity that the TSs were nesting in.

randy741985 · Sat May 04, 2019 11:21 am

If you got pm trying to get in, I would open at least a couple because the clock is ticking. Maybe try a gourd on a shepards hook. That's what mind ts are nesting in.

Good luck.

deancamp · Sat May 04, 2019 2:04 pm

Just my 2 cents and I will say upfront that I have been fortunate enough to not have this problem. I would not let the Martin season pass me by to keep the TS out. I would let the Martins into the nest and continue to try and discourage the TS in some manner. Maybe someone will correct me, but what is the need to keep TS out if you can't accomplish your goal of attracting Martins.

flyin-lowe · Sat May 04, 2019 6:50 pm

I’m on my phone and haven’t look at the protocol lately but I thought the rule was not to deny Martins access to cavities. I could be wrong on that though because it’s been a few years since I read over it.

lynnh · Sat May 04, 2019 9:30 pm

Hello Zheeeem, if you had breeding martins last year and they have returned you need let them in ASAP!

avesrun · Sat May 04, 2019 10:09 pm

At this point I would open all cavities and monitor which cavities are being frequented by the TS. Every few days or at least once weekly lower housing and remove TS nest. Do not let them get close to egg laying(for which you cannot legally remove. To my knowledge it's legal to remove the very early stages of nest building. Someone correct me if I'm wrong! The other option is to close off cavity frequented by the TS.
I've dealt with TS big time at my site in the past. Once Mps are established you won't have to worry anymore. Next sesson make sure to have the TS boxes/gourds up early and keep Martin house closed until TS settle in.