It was a good year in south Louisiana

[Gene Crosby]

Last year I had major problems with hawks. About every 20 minutes one would lite on the martin house and grab a baby martin and fly off. I took my vacation and was able to watch for the hawks and they eventually stopped, at least while I was home. What occurred while I was away is anybody's guess.

This year I moved one house 21 feet closer to my patio and moved the other one 9 feet closer. I hand approximately 31 or 32 pairs. Early in the year, before their nest building period, I had two hawks lite on the martin house. One time there were martins in their compartment on the other side of the house. I don't think they knew the hawk was there. On both occasions I ran under the martin house and yelled and clapped my hands. I know it scared the hawk because it jumped and seemed to panic. The martins did not do anything.

I kept a close watch and did not see any hawks lite on the houses after the two incidents. This is my third year and I think the martins are older and are not afraid of the hawks as much as they were last year. This year they would spot the hawk a half mile or more away. My house is located on a large hill with very few trees. As soon as they spotted the hawk 40 or 50 martins would gather and dive at the hawk. I know they probably did not hurt the hawk, but I am sure their loud yelling in his ears had to bother him. It also alerted all the other birds and it gave the hawk's stealth ability away and he was doomed for failure.

I believe the combination of these five things caused the hawks to hunt else where:

1) Moving the houses closer to my patio
2) My neighbor clearing a very small wooded area on the back part of his land making it very open around the martin houses.
3) The martins being older and not as afraid of the hawks.
4) The hawk losing his stealth advantage for martins and other prey
5) Standing directly under the houses when the martins gave their warning sounds.

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

Stan, I think the reason for your better success is # 2 & # 4. In my opinion, the other 3 don't have much effect on them. If you could scare them away every time that they come, it may help, but we are not out there at the martin pole all day long, so they come when you are inside the house. I have noticed their farorite time to attack is exactly when I am walking into the house, I suppose the martins are watching me, and then the hawk strikesl.

Anyway, I am happy for your success. good luck next year.

[Dale Davis]

Stan, I am inclined to agree with Emil. I think probably 2 & 4 were your real helpers. Either way, your success is nothing short of super. Hope you have continued success next year.

[Gene Crosby]

Dale and Emil I agree that #'s 2 & 4 are probably the main reason. When my neighbor cleared the small wooded area it made my land look completely different even though it was a very small area, about half the size of a tennis court. My point is just a few bushes or small trees cut down will open-up the area a lot.

Thanks,

[Dale Davis]

Stan, I fully agree! Just a few changes in the surrounding terrain can make your site safer and more appealing to your PMs.

Good job Stan. Good luck buddy in 2006.

Dale