This year I had my first pair of SY adults. The house was orientated with 3 compartments facing me, and 3 compartments facing (towards the lake). They chose one of the compartments facing the lake. I was kind of deprived of seeing them all the time. If I rotated it (90 degrees)such that I could see along both sides would that cause any problems if they return?
I could also leave it as is, and hope another pair chose the compartment facing me.
Thanks
House orientation
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Guest
I think you would be fine rotating it next year, just never in the middle of the season. I always have the most occupancy facing the water-but I think your colony should grow now that you're started. I would definately add at least one more house-you will be suprised at how it helps to attract a larger colony. Then you'll have plenty of holes to see 'em peeking out of.
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Hey Joe.
It is my humble opinion that you "can" change the orientation of the housing after the birds have left for the season.
It is well known that doing this during the nesting season is disastrous. The adults become confused and the young don't get fed and die and eggs don't get incubated and never hatch. So, remember to never change the directional orientation of your housing during the nesting season.
I have changed my housing many different ways between seasons and the returning Purple Martins have always adapted to the changes I have made. Even going from wooden housing to gourds. There again, this is Texas. We have a high concentration of PMs and they are desperate for housing.
If I were in your position - I probably would not rearrange the housing. I believe you can expect to have more than one pair next season. Your returning pair will draw in more Purple Martins and they will probably nest on oposite sides of the house from each other.
One other point of consideration... which way is West? The compartment entrances should not face directly into the hot afternoon sun. So, maybe that will be your deciding factor.
It is my humble opinion that you "can" change the orientation of the housing after the birds have left for the season.
It is well known that doing this during the nesting season is disastrous. The adults become confused and the young don't get fed and die and eggs don't get incubated and never hatch. So, remember to never change the directional orientation of your housing during the nesting season.
I have changed my housing many different ways between seasons and the returning Purple Martins have always adapted to the changes I have made. Even going from wooden housing to gourds. There again, this is Texas. We have a high concentration of PMs and they are desperate for housing.
If I were in your position - I probably would not rearrange the housing. I believe you can expect to have more than one pair next season. Your returning pair will draw in more Purple Martins and they will probably nest on oposite sides of the house from each other.
One other point of consideration... which way is West? The compartment entrances should not face directly into the hot afternoon sun. So, maybe that will be your deciding factor.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
What kind of house do you have. I have a 12 compartment Musselman convernted to 6 enlarged striaght compartments. I have all the openings on the same side. I positioned it so I have the enjoyment of all visitors being seen.