Mirrors

[randy741985]

I put mirrors in 2 of my gourds this year, don't know if it will help but willing to try anything. Has anyone had luck using a mirror?

Thanks

[Whippy]

Randy,

I have not used mirrors but, as I watch the Martins poke their heads into an entrance to look inside, I always think about what they would think if they saw their reflection in the mirror. I can see where they would be staring face to face with another Martin...."Oops, Pardon me, Ma'am I'll go to the next one over"

I can see where the idea of showing occupancy would tend to be encouraging to new arrivals to the colony.

Coolwhips

[jhcox]

Hey Randy I use the small 3”x 3” mirrors in 3 gourds for the last couple years and they do seem to work. Had to cavities that had the mirrors in them that birds actually nested and fledged young in both of them. Can’t hurt give it a try.

[randy741985]

Hey Randy I use the small 3”x 3” mirrors in 3 gourds for the last couple years and they do seem to work. Had to cavities that had the mirrors in them that birds actually nested and fledged young in both of them. Can’t hurt give it a try.

Sounds good I hope it helps.

[Bird Brain]

Where would I buy mirrors that small and how would I attach them to inside the gourd?

[Whippy]

Check out hobby lobby for the mirrors. Call them before going over there.

Walmart or Target in the cosmetic section may have them as well. Small make up mirror should be fine.

Lowes or Home Depot will have some industrial double sided tape. It's black with a red backing is what I use for hanging signs on walls.

Coolwhips.

[jhcox]

Hobby lobby is where I got the mirrors. And the double sided tap doesn’t work well. I used gray Duct tape. I used duct tape and they have been in there for 2 years now.

[randy741985]

I got my mirrors at Dollar General 2 pack for 2 dollars https://www.dollargeneral.com/belle-han ... -2-ct.html, They had a handle I used a heat gun to remove the mirror and jb weld to attach them to the back of the gourd.

[Ryan]

A dab of silicone on the back of the mirror will hold it for years.

[deancamp]

Small cosmetic mirrors here. I lined them up so you could see yourself looking through the entrance hole. I can't say that they helped, but I'm pretty sure they didn't hurt.

[ShawnK]

I believe a mirror and dawnsong combination is the most powerful method for attracting Martin's. I put a small cosmetic mirror in mine as well. I picked up a few at the Dollar Tree store. After breaking the plastic hinge to seperate the two halves I then glued it to a slender piece of wood no wider than the mirror. Mounting the wood by running a screw up through the bottom of the gourd was the hardest part. The placement of the mirror was determined by looking through the entrance hole moving the mirror around so that when they peek in to take a look they will see another martin.
I got my first pair doing this. I believe it was the reason for success because they stayed the first night with the mirror.
Shawn

[kim w.]

If I thought a tv and couch would help I would try that too. Year 7 for trying.

[MartinBro]

My martins like their mirrors on the ceiling.