I have a little creek in my back yard about 40 yds (120 ft.) from the T-14.
Now this distance is supposed to be Ok but, where?re talking about a line of trees that are 150-200 ft tall.
Does anyone actually have Martins in a similar situation?
Distance to BIG Trees
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Guest
Randy - I personally think the tall trees won't effect the PMs from going to the creek. As long as you have plenty of fly ways for them approaching their housing. We have like 150' trees in the front of our house and some times the martins fly thru them over our house and into their gourds or house. Now, will have to say that their housing sits right on a totally open lake in back.
Good luck this season and let us know how you come out with your PMs.
Lanell
Good luck this season and let us know how you come out with your PMs.
Lanell
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Guest
Barnmomg,
I think you missed my meaning. My concern is never getting Martins because of the tree line.
I don?t believe a Martin would ever go to this part of the creek because the under brush and the tree canopies are too dense.
I think you missed my meaning. My concern is never getting Martins because of the tree line.
I don?t believe a Martin would ever go to this part of the creek because the under brush and the tree canopies are too dense.
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Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
Randy, I have read reports that a hugh forest beside a site is not good at all, and difficult to attract martins. A tree line along a creek with open fields will not hurt. The open fields nearby is a hugh draw. If you have open fields nearby, the tree line may not hurt you, but the denseness and height may...I would say you may have trouble attracting them.
IMO depends on how many PM's you have in the area and how many cavities you offer (at least two houses or gourd racks IMO). Mo. should have a wealth of PM's so the trees shouldn't be the problem unless you are boxed in.
IMO one side should atleast be open, however this is a hawks heaven, they will use the trees to sneak up on you PM's when you get them. IMO that tree line will not prevent you from getting PMs, might prevent you from keeping them though. It's how you offer housing and the number of available PMs and cavities you have IMO.
IMO one side should atleast be open, however this is a hawks heaven, they will use the trees to sneak up on you PM's when you get them. IMO that tree line will not prevent you from getting PMs, might prevent you from keeping them though. It's how you offer housing and the number of available PMs and cavities you have IMO.
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Guest
Ok, Thanks?
That?s pretty much what I was hoping for, not good but not necessarily a show stopper.
My side of the tree line is a subdivision and the other has around 200 yds of open field then another subdivision, I?m by no means cramped for open fly-space on either side.
I have actually watched a Sharpie creep through one of the tree tops and peek out of the canopy watching the bird feeders, scary stuff!
I had my usual 3 visitors earlier this year then nothing; I haven?t even seen a SY yet this year.
I do have 6 baby Blue Birds though!
That?s pretty much what I was hoping for, not good but not necessarily a show stopper.
My side of the tree line is a subdivision and the other has around 200 yds of open field then another subdivision, I?m by no means cramped for open fly-space on either side.
I have actually watched a Sharpie creep through one of the tree tops and peek out of the canopy watching the bird feeders, scary stuff!
I had my usual 3 visitors earlier this year then nothing; I haven?t even seen a SY yet this year.
I do have 6 baby Blue Birds though!
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John Miller
- Posts: 4866
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
Randy
One of our sites in Forest Park is in a large open meadow, and across the street -- about a city block in length away -- there's a line of 18-story buildings in the Washington University Medical School Complex. I had worried this "line" was too high, but we're at full occupancy. Not sure about a line of tall trees, but sometimes we just give it a try.
John Miller
One of our sites in Forest Park is in a large open meadow, and across the street -- about a city block in length away -- there's a line of 18-story buildings in the Washington University Medical School Complex. I had worried this "line" was too high, but we're at full occupancy. Not sure about a line of tall trees, but sometimes we just give it a try.
John Miller
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Guest
John,
As opposed to trees; an Accipiter can hunt from the top of a building but they would have a harder time staying concealed. On the other hand there may be fewer birds on a building to sound the alarm. See how we go nuts trying to think like a bird!
For the past 4 years when Martins do show up I?ve always noticed the direction they face when perching. I?m thinking if the trees where a big problem the tendency would be to face the tree line. So far the direction appears to be completely random. There again I?m thinking too much, but it?s hard not to!
As opposed to trees; an Accipiter can hunt from the top of a building but they would have a harder time staying concealed. On the other hand there may be fewer birds on a building to sound the alarm. See how we go nuts trying to think like a bird!
For the past 4 years when Martins do show up I?ve always noticed the direction they face when perching. I?m thinking if the trees where a big problem the tendency would be to face the tree line. So far the direction appears to be completely random. There again I?m thinking too much, but it?s hard not to!