This is the first year I've put up a martin house. I live in Kiel, WI (near Plymouth, New Holstein, Chilton) and we had a house full of purple martins growing up in this area years ago. My parents, who live in Door County, also have loads of them! So, I'm anxious to become a landlord, too! We have a nice spot with the house situated in an open area, far from trees, with a 1.5 acre pond within 30 feet. There are plenty of open flyways. I purchased the Trendsetter from the association last fall and erected it at the end of April. I've also been checking the scout report - hoping to attract some sub-adults.
I'd like to know if there are other colonies in this area? It seems as though there were many more in the past, but I'm not sure what exists now. Can anyone shed some light on purple martins in east/central wisconsin (east of Lake Winnebago).
Hi Kerry, yes there are some landlords near you, there is one at the intersection of hwy 67 and MM, Elmer Kuhn has been raising Martins for over 40 years at his farm, then there is one just north of him on hwy 67 just past the marsh area, there is also an Amish farm just north of New Holstein of hwy 57 then there is a colony on hwy M just north of Lakeland College, I myself live in Sheboygan Falls, and Tom Rank has a large Colony south of Falls, there are a few more scattered about the tri counties. play the Dawnsong and get some decoys, the Plymouth Fleet Farm had decoys last year, they might sell them again this year. Good Luck
welcome to the forum. Besides some of the colonies that Greg mentioned. there are several small martin sites scattered throughout the county. The Horicon marsh and Beaver Dam area has some larger colonies as well as High cliff state park.
Martin numbers are down considerably compared to years ago, but with the dedicated efforts of some serious landlords hopefully we can turn things around and help restore there numbers.
You came to the right place if you have questions .There are so many knowledgeable people on this forum that are more than willing to answer just about any question you might have concerning martins. You can also contact me if you wish.
Thank you Greg and Tom for your input. I am encouraged to hear about the colonies near me and I will plan to contact Edward. I am dedicated to help restore the population. My dawn song and daily chatter CDs are on their way and I will begin playing them immediately. I'll also check Fleet Farm for decoys.
At this point, I'm just keeping the boxes clean - every other day pulling out a few sparrow messes.
Thanks all!
I'll keep you posted!
I am near Cleveland about a mile from Lake Michigan. I have wooden housing with 16 compartments. 15 are full at this time with ASY pairs that have been nest building. When the subadults come, I hope to have both houses full. Haven't seen any SY birds here just yet.
Within 1-5 miles of me there are 3 places I know of with martin housing populated with martins. There is a fourth place South of me that has a brand new looking set up. One real nice gourd rack and a large new wooden house. There is an aluminum house also with what looks like two decoys on it. Don't know if they have martins yet ,but I wish the folks there good luck with attracting martins every time I drive by.
Hi Anna,
Thank you so much for your reply! I am so excited to hear that you have a successfully established colony -- and that you are still waiting for the Subadults. As this is my first year with a house up, I am also waiting for the subs. Enjoy your martin friends!
I'll let you know if I have any luck!
Thanks again,
Kerri
Hi Kerri!
I'm just north of Wrightstown and south of DePere. This is my second year trying for PMs. So far, I've gotten visitors but no nesters. In fact there was one just out there this morning. There is a small colony on hwy 96 over in Greenleaf. Keep us updated so I can figure out what will get them to stay! (I haven't tried decoys yet.)
