Is it too late for Southern Virginia

[PMS in Virginia]

In the past I had 13 pair one season but because of snake encounter several years back its been difficult getting them back. Just a couple years ago I did have one pair that came late. For some reason the birds abandoned the young hatchlings. Nowadays to discourage tree swallows has not allowed opening holes in my gourds. Someone tell me, please, should I even bother about opening the gourds at this late date. I am 20 miles North of the NC line.

Incidentally, for snake protection I have devised a unique netting rack for my 2 inch square tubing mast and will share its design for any interest.

[Royals76]

I am in SW Missouri and in just the last few days I have a subadult pair checking out my gourd rack including going into the gourds. PMCA says it is still possible to attract Purple Martins in June. Last year I even kept my gourds open until September because I kept getting visitors and I am thinking maybe my late arrivals this year might have found my site last year as hatchling year birds. Very important to keep ALL nest site competitors out of your housing (I had an issue with a bluebird pair wanting to nest in my gourds last year). Don't give up! Good luck.

[Thomas Maddox]

I agree with Royals. PMs that had subpar conditions in their housing this year will be looking for new sites on their migration back. They obviously won't stay this year, but their GPS system is very precise and they may come back to your place next year. Again, keep all other birds out of there. I once had a rat snake breech (I didn't have any predator guards) and they wouldn't come back from for 3 years until I moved my setup (actually got a new one). I have many now. Yes, I would love to see your netting design.

[Jones4381]

In the past I had 13 pair one season but because of snake encounter several years back its been difficult getting them back. Just a couple years ago I did have one pair that came late. For some reason the birds abandoned the young hatchlings. Nowadays to discourage tree swallows has not allowed opening holes in my gourds. Someone tell me, please, should I even bother about opening the gourds at this late date. I am 20 miles North of the NC line.

Incidentally, for snake protection I have devised a unique netting rack for my 2 inch square tubing mast and will share its design for any interest.

Up here about 15 miles north of you in Rocky Mount. We're likely beyond that stage for this season as you suspect but I wouldn't say it's impossible yet. Will be doing 6th nest check up here today with anywhere from 10 day old chicks to nest with leaves as of last week and many are still eagerly collecting off of the Black Cherries and Pear's nearby. I have about 50 active nest going with about 1/2 with eggs and babies, the other with green leaves. There are quite a few large colonies within that 25-50 mile range of you in Henry co so I'd stay positive that if not this year, then 2026 should happen if you manage the invasives accordingly. I too would enjoy seeing photo's of your netting as I've been fortunate with the baffles defeating several black racers I've personally observed but know I need additonal defense before it happens here. I'm considering electric that others have shared and discussed in here. Good luck.