Shade ideas in extreme heat

[Veterinarymed]

Creative ways to shade the Purple Martins in the brutal heat! With some trial and error, it seems that the umbrellas were not the best due to the unpredictable wind/thunderstorms. The bamboo hats seem to be working thus far, and if they hold up I will be painting them white. I really had high hopes for the styrofoam planks, but unfortunately, most blew apart. Ive reached out to have the planks made utilizing a 3D printer to specifications, however, cost will play a factor...We will see. One PM system has cedar shingles, and although, providing partial shade, most were too narrow. I did scab two shingles together to widen the shade area, and attached with zip ties, but only will would work for a specific pole system. I've read about the plastic sign board being used but haven't tried it yet. Only because I'm not sure if if will withstand a wind gust without flipping upward. That's why the styrofoam roof didn't work. Hope this might help give other landlords ideas!

[C.C.Martins]

I love the bamboo hat! Er...shade lol! Looks great! The lengths we go to!
I used the signboard once last year, we are constantly windy so punched holes in it, cut out the center as in your example and zip tied it on. Didn't bend. Think your examples are great!
Agree about the umbrella, looks good but will go with the wind.

[Martintown33]

Bamboo hat is awesome! Great idea. I’ve also used signboard. As Tom said , I drill holes in them to let the wind blow through with less resistance. They work well. How do you keep that hats from being blown off? Great idea!
Rob

[Phil01]

Hats look really cool, very creative. I also use the signboard zip tied to the gourd arms. They are pretty thin and more flexible than styrofoam. I found the front would raise up and go right back down in the wind. Nothing was secured over the gourd, just to the arms. It gets pretty windy here.
Good idea drilling holes in them gentleman. I’m definitely going to give that a try. Found a nest with 4 eggs last nest check so I’m going to need the shade again this year if they hatch. lol
Phil