Starlings

[Muffen02]

Hello everyone, I am a new Purple Martin landlord. I took off the door blocks from my gores and now there are Starlings getting in them. Should I put the blocks back on?

[flyin-lowe]

Welcome, you have come to the best spot on the internet to learn about purple martins. What type of openings do you have, some type of SREH (starling resistant entry hole) or are they round holes. If they are round let us know what type/brand of housing you have. There are likely SREH options for them. if you already have SREH there could be some improvements made, such as getting the porch closer to the bottom of the entrance.

[Muffen02]

Thank you! I have the Troyer Vertical Gourd Conley II (SREH) Entrance

[Spiderman]

You could also purchase a Van Ert box trap and catch the Starlings one at a time. Just put it on a separate pole near your Martin housing and the Starlings will go in it but the Martins will not.

If your ok with disposing of them?

[Conrad Baker]

Hello everyone, I am a new Purple Martin landlord. I took off the door blocks from my gores and now there are Starlings getting in them. Should I put the blocks back on?

Yes

[Muffen02]

Thank you Spiderman, I looked up the Van Ert box trap. I think I may do something like that. I put the covers back on the doors and they went away for now. I have another Purple Martin house in the front of my yard. I had purple martins in it last year and was not bothered with the starlings. I have this one in my back yard. I have already seen two pairs wanting to use it but they are gone for now. I hope when I open the doors back up they don’t come back.

[Muffen02]

Thank you Conrad, I did put the covers back on and they left.