Another Cooper's hawk strike today

[Guest]

And, again, the Cooper's went after the slowest martin it could find, the decoy. You'd think that the raptor would have learned that that particular PM, the one that sits still all day long, just doesn't make for a satisfying meal. Heh, it doesn't even taste good!

To any and all beginning landlords out there, I really do recommend using at least one decoy. Place the decoy on a perching rod, or on top of the PM house, but not in the way of any compartment openings. Decoys may serve the purpose of attracting martins to your colony, but they also become good targets for marauding birds of prey. And a mildly battered decoy hands-down beats a dead Martin!

[John Atteberry]

Hello AggieMEEN,
That is great hawk proof!! I have two on separate poles and they get hit every now and then!!! It is better too than your real martins! Get them folks get them while there hot!!! John!

[klcretired]

AggieMEEN,
The decoys really do work to save your martins detering the hawk long enough for the real PM's to make their escape,thus saving lives.This is why i leave my decoy's on my all of my Martin Housing all year. I have had several hawk attacks already this year and only one asy female taken so far by a Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk) a small hawk only 12'' in length, death came very quickly to her w/ the needle sharp Talons from the Hawk.
I've always said that the decoys work well as a duel purpose , to attract Martins as well as protect them.