- Two T14s spring 2026 small.jpg (32.03 KiB) Viewed 37406 times
For the past four years, we've been fortunate to watch our small colony grow to 34 pairs. Initially we offered a variety of housing in hopes of catching the eyes of interested and unattached martins- barns and gourds at first, and then we added a T14 to the mix. Last year we had two plastic barns and four Bo9 gourds on one pole, and on a second pole we had a T14, and four Bo9 gourds. Happily, last year we were full for the very first time.
Weather and time have since taken a toll on the two barns- many of the plastic door tabs have broken off and the inside walls began to degrade. It was hard to say goodbye to the barns as they'd hosted our very first pair... but we knew safety was an issue and we had to make a change this year. So, we built a second T14 and are now offering a T14 and four Bo9 gourds on each pole. BTW- I do have predator guards; they just aren't up yet.
There is a bit of conflicting advice on when to do housing changes, so- I am looking for some reassurance. The site will look a little different with the barns gone and a T14 in its place, but I'm hoping that since our colony is of moderate size, and one pole is unchanged, the returning birds won't be too spooked. I can deal with lower numbers but will be absolutely sick if the change causes abandonment. Surely not, right?!?
Any words of encouragement are appreciated. The birds should return any day, so I will keep the group posted!
