Purple Martins using gourds on a shepherds pole

[jhcox]

I have gourds on Shepherd poles for the tree swallows. They’re only about 4 feet off the ground. I obviously have them set up to attract the trees swallow so they won’t use my door racks. But I came out this morning, and two of the gourds are being nested in by purple Martins. Would it be OK to go ahead and let them nest there because most of my colony is full?

[Martintown33]

Sure… let them nest there.. . I wouldn’t move anything , unless you wanted to raise the height a few feet, but don’t change the compass orientation..
Good luck
Rob

[jhcox]

I’ve always heard they wouldn’t use gourds that load to the ground, but apparently that was a myth. I’m gonna leave them alone let them do their thing

[flyin-lowe]

Last year I had a pair nest in a hook almost 100 yards from my colony. Weird thing is it was an ASY pair and early in the season before the actual housing was full.

[jhcox]

That’s awesome to know that they can adjust or modify to the environment that is afforded to them and make it work to their advantage.

[Bird Brain]

Better pray a racoon or a rat snake doesn't show up.

[jhcox]

Nature will take its course it always has and it always will. It’s been that way ever since God created the earth will be that way until the end. All we can do is the best we can.