Removed 60 Foot Tree for 2020. Before and After Pics

[Bird Brain]

4'th year coming up trying to get that first pair. Finally decided to cut down the largest tree in my yard. The tree was 40 feet from martin pole but was 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide. It was definitely a hawk magnet. I watched a hawk launch from this tree once and hit a decoy. I cut this tree down because it was damaging my shed and the roots were getting into my sewer line. It was a Hackberry, which I'm not fond of. I'm hoping to realize a martin attraction benefit as a result of this decision. My setup actually falls within Chuck Abare's location guidelines now. "No tree closer to the martin pole than the tree is tall," I believe he says. Now I have 3 open flyways instead of 2. My pole is 18 inches higher than last year as a result of the winch upgrade I added. I've added 12 chirpy nests for 2020 for variety and a total of 24 cavities offered. Going to play "dawn song," and "daytime chatter," this year. Thinking about adding decoys also. Here's a couple of before and after pics. Wish me luck.

[Conrad Baker]

Good Luck !! I hope that helps make the Martins feel safer. Please excuse my ignorance, but what is that object on the pole between your housing setup and the tree??

[Bird Brain]

It's a rocket box bat house. It's been occupied for 3 years now. They're a lot of fun to watch. They arrive about the same time as martins.

[tor]

Wow, thats what I call dedication. Good luck on the upcoming season.

[steve r]

What are the boxes on the pole with the gourds?

[Conrad Baker]

It's a rocket box bat house. It's been occupied for 3 years now. They're a lot of fun to watch. They arrive about the same time as martins.

Thanks. You usually see the bat houses mounted under the eaves of houses, never saw one out in the open.

[Dave Reynolds]

.. Bird Brain ..... Now that should help out a lot... Trees that size is what I had to deal with too.. The more open the area the better.. ... ... .... .. Good Luck in 2020

Dave

[C.C.Martins]

Definite improvement, must have been quite a chore.

The bat house has me intrigued, how long did it take to attract them? Iv been looking at bat houses all morning

[C.C.Martins]

It's a rocket box bat house. It's been occupied for 3 years now. They're a lot of fun to watch. They arrive about the same time as martins.

There are alot to choose from, i think ill try the flat type that hugs the house...will put it on my chimney!

[flyin-lowe]

There is a pretty good bat house forum out there (some of the same members as here). In some ways bat houses are like martin houses, that shape, size, design, location, are very important and often times the ones that you can buy at a store locally are not sufficient. Bat populations in my area are taking a huge hit due to white nose syndrome. I have built and erected 6 or 7 houses in various locations over the last 10 years or so and none have been occupied. Thought about trying a rocket box style just to change it up a little bit.

[C.C.Martins]

flyin-lowe,
wow, looked them up and your right...dedicated to their bats. Looks like good resource. Thank you.

[Bird Brain]

When shopping for a bat house, multiply the 3 dimensions to determine the total cubic inches of space, the bigger the better. Rocket boxes will break the wind better than the flat kind, resulting is less swaying. Flat side style bat houses are the best choice for building mounts. Rocket boxes do not require the purchase of a mounting bracket. Choose rough cut red cedar or pine with no plastic netting. Bat urine will eventually warp plywood. Pole mounts are more noticeable/obvious and likely to be discovered sooner than wall mounts IMO. Pole mounts offer better viewing shows. The night sky background behind a pole mount enhances bat viewing significantly. Such a background will never exist with a wall or chimney mount. Whatever mount you choose, the higher the bat house, the more likely it will be discovered. My pole is 17 feet high. My bat house became occupied in 6 months with only a few bats. My first maternity colony occurred the following year. Typically, bat house population will double every year until there is no more space.

[TomBrake]

What are the boxes on the pole with the gourds?

Steve
Those are ChirpyNest houses.

[TomBrake]

4'th year coming up trying to get that first pair. Finally decided to cut down the largest tree in my yard. The tree was 40 feet from martin pole but was 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide. It was definitely a hawk magnet. I watched a hawk launch from this tree once and hit a decoy. I cut this tree down because it was damaging my shed and the roots were getting into my sewer line. It was a Hackberry, which I'm not fond of. I'm hoping to realize a martin attraction benefit as a result of this decision. My setup actually falls within Chuck Abare's location guidelines now. "No tree closer to the martin pole than the tree is tall," I believe he says. Now I have 3 open flyways instead of 2. My pole is 18 inches higher than last year as a result of the winch upgrade I added. I've added 12 chirpy nests for 2020 for variety and a total of 24 cavities offered. Going to play "dawn song," and "daytime chatter," this year. Thinking about adding decoys also. Here's a couple of before and after pics. Wish me luck.


That setup looks awesome. Keep me posted on your success.

[Unk Bond]

Hello All
That right there I find very interesting and very nice.

I envy your knowledge on posting a picture. I am still trying to figure how here. My post seem flat with out a subject picture .
Later and stay safe.

[brent]

Looks great. Much improved. Your birds will be happy to be able to fly in easily. Good decision.
Best of luck.
Brent

[Unk Bond]

Hello All
I have been trying visualize that rack lifting bracket. [ Later