). Then I read some previous posts that stated they are not a problem for the martins and appear to drive off HOSP. Should I allow them to nest if they come back?House finch pair attempting to nest
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Bcorbs1217
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:22 am
- Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
- Martin Colony History: Active colony since 2005.
My little colony of 3 pair are all brooding their young, 11 hatchlings altogether. Today a house finch pair started showing interest in one of the gourds (I may have deterred them with my sling shot ). Then I read some previous posts that stated they are not a problem for the martins and appear to drive off HOSP. Should I allow them to nest if they come back?
). Then I read some previous posts that stated they are not a problem for the martins and appear to drive off HOSP. Should I allow them to nest if they come back?Becky Corbett. PM landlord since 2005; 12 supergourds.
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Kyler
- Posts: 899
- Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:15 pm
- Location: Colby, Kansas
- Martin Colony History: PMCA Member - Project MartinWatch - Enlarged Compartments - SREH - S&S Control - Mite Control - Predator Guards - Heat Control ( Vents and Insulation ) - Supplemental Feeding -
Manage 7 different colonies in Colby Kansas.
Becky,
The House Finches are not going to be a problem. The only problem is that Unpaired SY Males might be a problem towards them. I had a House Finch Pair Build a Nest in a Gourd that was right next to a SY's Nest that had 5 eggs. Then our next Nest Check after that the House Finch Babies were gone and the Martin Eggs were all over there Gourd. So I'm not sure if it was a SY Male or a House Sparrow. But no they are not aggressive towards the Martins at all. But the Martins might be towards them.
Kyler,
The House Finches are not going to be a problem. The only problem is that Unpaired SY Males might be a problem towards them. I had a House Finch Pair Build a Nest in a Gourd that was right next to a SY's Nest that had 5 eggs. Then our next Nest Check after that the House Finch Babies were gone and the Martin Eggs were all over there Gourd. So I'm not sure if it was a SY Male or a House Sparrow. But no they are not aggressive towards the Martins at all. But the Martins might be towards them.
Kyler,
Purple Martin Landlords of Northwest KS
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA
2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA
2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
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Kuemic
- Posts: 176
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2016 7:17 pm
- Location: Topeka, KS
- Martin Colony History: 2015 1 pair, 2 eggs destroyed by HOSP
2016 1 pair, 2 fledged, HOSP 46
2017 1 pair, 5 fledged, HOSP 14
2018 daily visitors, HOSP 12
2019 1 pair, 2 fledged, HOSP 14
2020 1pair, 5 fledged, HOSP 17
2021 2 pair, 7 fledged, HOSP 21
2022 3 pair, 12 fledged, HOSP 18
2023 8 pair, 35 fledged, HOSP 16
2024 13 pair, 55 fledged, HOSP 11
Congratulations on your 3 pair!
We've had house finches nest on our property for quite a few years. This year was the first year they showed interest in our Trio house and the 4 gourds. We do not let them nest in the PM cavities as we only have one pair of nesting martins and the martins don't tolerate them perching on the house or gourds - lots of hissing. They spend a lot of time chasing them off. If we had more martin pairs, we might rethink our stance.
House finches will nest anywhere - our hanging baskets, under the eaves of our porch, etc. We've had up to 11 house finches on our martin housing at a time - way too many. They also will have up to 6 broods over the summer. They don't appear to hurt the martins or their eggs in any way, we just feel they have plenty of other nesting opportunities.
On the other hand, we have seen house finches chase other finches and house sparrows away from their nest, so maybe one pair would work. Just look out for any stress on the martins. Our bluebirds tolerate the house finches, but will not allow a house sparrow near their nest or perching areas.
Good luck! --Michelle
We've had house finches nest on our property for quite a few years. This year was the first year they showed interest in our Trio house and the 4 gourds. We do not let them nest in the PM cavities as we only have one pair of nesting martins and the martins don't tolerate them perching on the house or gourds - lots of hissing. They spend a lot of time chasing them off. If we had more martin pairs, we might rethink our stance.
House finches will nest anywhere - our hanging baskets, under the eaves of our porch, etc. We've had up to 11 house finches on our martin housing at a time - way too many. They also will have up to 6 broods over the summer. They don't appear to hurt the martins or their eggs in any way, we just feel they have plenty of other nesting opportunities.
On the other hand, we have seen house finches chase other finches and house sparrows away from their nest, so maybe one pair would work. Just look out for any stress on the martins. Our bluebirds tolerate the house finches, but will not allow a house sparrow near their nest or perching areas.
Good luck! --Michelle
Michelle in Topeka
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Bcorbs1217
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:22 am
- Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
- Martin Colony History: Active colony since 2005.
I guess it's tricky trying to decide what to do but if they drive away the male HOSP looking for a mate that would be a treat! We will see if they show up tomorrow!
Becky Corbett. PM landlord since 2005; 12 supergourds.
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Ed Svetich-WI
- Posts: 815
- Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:05 pm
- Location: Brooks, Wi (McGinnis Lake)
- Martin Colony History: 24 Super and Excluder Gourds on two gourd racks, all SREH. Full occupancy. My philosophy is to maximize fledge % with existing cavities rather than adding gourds to grow colony, thus providing opportunities for new colony expansion. Fledge over 100 nestlings yearly from 24 gourds. Band nestlings in cooperation with state university. 2019 Adendum: Reduced colony size to 12 gourds to focus on more intensive management regimen.
I think it is a mistake to allow any species other than martins to nest in a current or potential martin colony. It is possible that they will become habituated to nesting in your gourds or houses. Why take the chance? Either focus on martins or not. I had finches show an interest in my colony this year. I discouraged them and again had a colony full of martins. If I had allowed the finches to nest, I would have had at least one less martin nest because the martins would not have displaced them.
It is your choice, martins or something else.
Ed
It is your choice, martins or something else.
Ed
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Bcorbs1217
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:22 am
- Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
- Martin Colony History: Active colony since 2005.
I have to agree, Ed. I think my first instinct to keep them away was a good choice. The last thing I need is a growing colony next year with more nest competitors.
Becky Corbett. PM landlord since 2005; 12 supergourds.