Several Questions!

[joeincan]

I had my first nesting pair of SY martins last year. I have a 6 compartment watersedge house located in the lake about 20' from the beach. Our area had a great hatch last year with plenty of newbys. Hopefully I can add to my colony.

1, They arrived June 1st last year when can I expect them this year?

2, I want to add some perches on the underside of the house. Is 1/2" dia
the right size?

3, I was given a Trio Grandpa house which I am going to modify into 6 suites and add SREH interance holes. (lots of starlings) Should I hold off on erecting it until my ASYs return? I plan on putting it within 10' of the watersedge.

I want to build my colony, but I don't want to be overly aggressive. I could wait another year to put up the trio.

THANKS

[Guest]

Joe,

In answer to your question #2, in the PMCA's story of the 1995 Landlord of the Year, it mentions that he found that his martins preferred 5/8" diameter wooden dowels over those of smaller diameters.

Tony

[Guest]

Joe.
1) look for them about the same time.. maybe a week earlier.
3) I would go ahead and erect the house when you have it modified. I would however plug the holes until your Martins return.
4) adding one house... in my opinion .. is not being overly aggressive. If you enjoy the Martins- then put the house up.

[klcretired]

joeincan,
all good advise posted.