I think I finally have my Broward County, Florida martin setups all ready. I took them down when it looked like we were going to get hit head on by Hurricane Matthew. That created a lot of extra work for me but I guess better safe than sorry.
Our martins here should return around the third week of January filtering in through February into March.
I have 5 MSS-8 houses with Excluder entrances here on our Pompano Beach condo grounds. Last year those were all fully occupied and every nest was successful in fledging it's young. I will soon be 69 years old and at some point may replace the houses with one or two Trendsetter houses with a stainless steel cable and winch but for now I will just keep things the same. I am going to try an experiment here on the condo grounds putting four or five Excluder gourds, hanging from shepherd's hooks, beside one of our lakes near the fully occupied MSS-8. I like to experiment and try new things.
I also have 3 houses this season at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, FL. There is an MSS-8 with Excluder entrances, a Mini Castle with Excluder entrances and a Trendsetter 12 house which was new last year. The MSS-8 and Mini Castle were fully occupied the last few years and the newly installed Trendsetter was about half full last season. I imagine that will fill up this year. I really like that house and donated it to the park along with the older Trio products.
Last but not least is my Deluxe Gourd Rack at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, FL. That rack took years to get martins but after a few modifications and a relocation within the park the gourds finally landed two nesting pairs last season. Successful fledging. That rack has modified Conley 2 entrances on Troyer Vertical Gourds. I had a problem last year with starlings sliding in the Conley 2's.
So many people have walked over to thank me for putting up the houses and to inquire about the birds that return every year. I always end by giving them the PMCA website and they are very appreciative.
Ready Here in South Florida
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
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Rodger Drye
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:07 am
- Location: NC/Mt. Pleasant
- Martin Colony History: Have been hosting and providing a sanactuary for Purple Martins for 30 years.
Carlton,
Sounds like you are ready. You got it going on - Man.! I like the diversity you have with all the different sites you maintain.
Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Good Luck with your Colonies in 2017.
Keep up the Hard Work, you'll be rewarded one day.!!
Rodger
Sounds like you are ready. You got it going on - Man.! I like the diversity you have with all the different sites you maintain.
Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Good Luck with your Colonies in 2017.
Keep up the Hard Work, you'll be rewarded one day.!!
Rodger
PMCA Member
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
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Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Good work Carlton!
We are standing by in Central Florida! We don't usually get our Scout till mid February but you never know! We got rid of our two back breaking telescopic poles and installed a new set-up for this season. I did use one of the telescopic poles for our DIY bed & breakfast tray and added a sign. Best of luck to everyone and Happy Holidays!


We are standing by in Central Florida! We don't usually get our Scout till mid February but you never know! We got rid of our two back breaking telescopic poles and installed a new set-up for this season. I did use one of the telescopic poles for our DIY bed & breakfast tray and added a sign. Best of luck to everyone and Happy Holidays!


PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
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Rodger Drye
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:07 am
- Location: NC/Mt. Pleasant
- Martin Colony History: Have been hosting and providing a sanactuary for Purple Martins for 30 years.
Jose, Your site looks Good.! I like your modified Bed & Breakfast.! I also like the Purple Martin Sanctuary sign. Where did you get it.? I didn't think the PMCA had a sign like that.
Best of Luck for 2017.!!!
Rodger
Best of Luck for 2017.!!!
Rodger
PMCA Member
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
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Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Thanks Rodger. My wife and I own a sign shop. We printed it on our digital printer. I used one of our Martins from a photo I took. Lol
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
-
Rodger Drye
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:07 am
- Location: NC/Mt. Pleasant
- Martin Colony History: Have been hosting and providing a sanactuary for Purple Martins for 30 years.
Wow Jose,
That is Super.! Would you consider selling one to me.? I like anything different and that is definately different.!
I'll be glad to give you my E-Mail and you can contact me for my address and phone number.
My E-Mail is <[email protected]>
Thank You,
Rodger
That is Super.! Would you consider selling one to me.? I like anything different and that is definately different.!
I'll be glad to give you my E-Mail and you can contact me for my address and phone number.
My E-Mail is <[email protected]>
Thank You,
Rodger
PMCA Member
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
-
Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Thanks Rodger!
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
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Ravens5281
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:14 pm
- Location: Seymour, Indiana
- Martin Colony History: PMCA Member:
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Hey Jose I love that sign also!!! I would like to buy one also if u r selling one!! My email is [email protected]
Thanks Stu III
Thanks Stu III
PMCA Member: From Seymour, Indiana
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
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Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Thanks Stu!
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
-
Ravens5281
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:14 pm
- Location: Seymour, Indiana
- Martin Colony History: PMCA Member:
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Your welcome Jose!!
PMCA Member: From Seymour, Indiana
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
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James Strickland FL
- Posts: 2249
- Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2003 8:04 pm
- Location: Reidsville NC
- Martin Colony History: 2017 Had a lot visitors no Matins nesting, hoping 2018 will be different.
2018 Had 1 pair
2019 had 30 pair
Carl,
I have a gourd pole up next door and it is ready to go for the one that will return.
I have a gourd pole up next door and it is ready to go for the one that will return.
PMCA MEMBER
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
Thanks Roger!
Your site looks GREAT, Jose! Thanks for posting the pics.
I am so glad your neighbor is keeping up one gourd rack, Jim. You can send the rest of the martins either to my Quiet Waters setup, my Tradewinds Trendsetter OR maybe even tell them to keep on heading north to NC!!! :-)))
Your site looks GREAT, Jose! Thanks for posting the pics.
I am so glad your neighbor is keeping up one gourd rack, Jim. You can send the rest of the martins either to my Quiet Waters setup, my Tradewinds Trendsetter OR maybe even tell them to keep on heading north to NC!!! :-)))
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Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
-
Ravens5281
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:14 pm
- Location: Seymour, Indiana
- Martin Colony History: PMCA Member:
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Thanks Jose,, I'm definitely getting one of those custom made signs & I sent u another email!!
PMCA Member: From Seymour, Indiana
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
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Ravens5281
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:14 pm
- Location: Seymour, Indiana
- Martin Colony History: PMCA Member:
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Thanks Jose,, I'm definitely getting one of those custom made signs & I sent u another email!!
P.s. I'm ready for my martins to be back here in Indiana!!! I'm about 58 days away from setting up my gourds & houses!!
P.s. I'm ready for my martins to be back here in Indiana!!! I'm about 58 days away from setting up my gourds & houses!!
PMCA Member: From Seymour, Indiana
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
Name: Stu Silver III
Begin trying to start a Colony since 2014
Had 2 Martins Visitors stop by (2014)
(2015) 2 Martins Visitors passed through
(2016) 35 Days that Martins Visitors/Stopped by but didn't nest
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Rodger Drye
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:07 am
- Location: NC/Mt. Pleasant
- Martin Colony History: Have been hosting and providing a sanactuary for Purple Martins for 30 years.
Hi Jose,
Yes, I also want one of those signs.! How did you mount it on the fence? I didn't see any fastener holes.?
I think the PMCA should offer those signs in their Purple Martin Catalog. That's a nice sign with a different design, and I think it would be a big seller.!!!!!
Thank You,
Rodger
Yes, I also want one of those signs.! How did you mount it on the fence? I didn't see any fastener holes.?
I think the PMCA should offer those signs in their Purple Martin Catalog. That's a nice sign with a different design, and I think it would be a big seller.!!!!!
Thank You,
Rodger
PMCA Member
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
-
Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Thanks Rodger!
As far as how I mounted it on my fence, that's an Ancient Chinese Secret!
Actually I used 3M Command Stainless Steel Wire Hooks (Outdoor Use). You know the kind that are used to hang something on the walls and you can remove it down the road. Only I bent the wire hooks with a pair of pliers for a tighter fit on the fence wire. I used one hook on top and one on the bottom center of the sign. The bottom hook is installed normal on the sign. The top hook is upside down on the top back of the sign in order to hang correctly on the fence. I put the top hook first, then but the sign on the fence, then put the bottom hook after the sign was hanging, lining up the hook to the fence wire. Then I took small zip ties to secure the hooks to the fence. Hope this makes sense. We'll see how long it lasts outdoors. Might need to go to traditional installations. lol
As far as how I mounted it on my fence, that's an Ancient Chinese Secret!
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
-
Rodger Drye
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:07 am
- Location: NC/Mt. Pleasant
- Martin Colony History: Have been hosting and providing a sanactuary for Purple Martins for 30 years.
Hey Jose,
One thing about it - It sure Looks Good! You do good work man!
Rodger
One thing about it - It sure Looks Good! You do good work man!
Rodger
PMCA Member
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
Have been Hosting and Protecting Martin's for 30 years.
-
Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Thank you Rodger! Happy Holidays!
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
-
Jose Rodriguez
- Posts: 692
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:34 am
- Location: FL/Belleview
Well looks like my 3M Command Stainless Steel Wire Hooks (Outdoor Use) did not hold up. Apparently it's for outdoor use under a covered patio not for the outdoor elements. I'm thinking it doesn't like the water (rain). Anyway back to installing my sign the old fashion way! lol
PMCA Member
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"
"Keep Calm and It Will Happen"

