SY Questions?

[MSchmohl]

As I'm hopefully waiting and watching for the Sub Adults to arrive in my area, I have been thinking about what the factors are that help determine where SYs decide to stay and nest?
• Do they tend to return to the area/region in which they fledged? Or do they just pick the first suitable housing that attracts them as they fly north from Mexico?
• I read in the Forum Archives that it is advised not to use SREH holes in unestablished nesting compartments. The crescent shaped hole is the only opening option both my S&K barn and gourds have. Will this hinder the possibility of any PMs deciding to nest at my house?
• Does the playing of the "Dawn Song" make a big difference? If it does how is this done? Does one just play the cd on a cd player outside at a high volume? I don't want to disturb my neighbors. They probably already think I'm a crazy bird lady.

I want to do what ever I can to become a successful landlord this year. I have put too much work, heart and soul to not be successful. If I don't succeed I will be very disheartened.

[MamaBruff]

Thank you for providing housing for Purple Martins. We need more folks with a Passion for Purple! This PMCA site is the right place to learn. Be sure and join PMCA if you haven't already.

Crescent entrances are a good thing. Be glad you already have them. The sparrows are bad enough to deal with, but starlings are a ticket to Crazytown! About 15 years ago, I put up my Grandpa's old Trio "Grandpa" house with round holes... I knew NOTHING about hosting purple martins, and wound up taking the house down due to frustration and failure.

Comb through the forum archives. There are several threads as to how far from his natal site a SY will settle. Sometimes as close as the neighbor's colony, and sometimes 150 miles away. Just depends. I believe this was determined from finding banded birds and looking up the information from the leg band.

Lots of work this first year, and Lots of CBL (crazy bird lady) antics to entertain the neighbors! Depending on your site location and condition and proximity to neighboring successful colonies, you may or may not have birds the first year. Patience Patience. Many, if not Most of us do not host Purple Martins the first year or the first several years. But there will be Sparrows to contend with, ALWAYS.

Welcome aboard, and Best Wishes for Success!

[Archer]

My colony was started with SREH and the Dawnsong. So don't fret about that, once they want to go in, they will. Like MamaBruff says, by glad you have them. Martins naturally sing the Dawnsong before the sun comes up. I have never heard it, but I play the Dawnsong and Daytime chatter all day. The louder you play it the farther the sound will travel. Of coarse you have to be sensitive to your neighbours. I found the if you place the speakers pointing up, its not as loud as you think at your neighbours.

This purple martin obsession has its share up heartbreak and joy. Patience is a must. Best of luck to you this season.

[KBoothby]

SREHs and Dawn Song CD started our colony in the first year of trying (2011) with one pair that fledged five. Played the Dawn Song all morning every day from the end of April. It was mid May before any started to show interest and the end of May til a pair actually stayed. I stopped the Song at that point. Found the first egg on June 1st.
Good luck!
Kathryn