Martins but no nest building

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Woodhook
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2026 8:49 am
Location: Southern Ky

I have 6 plastic gourds mounted on an extendable pole. Two years ago I had as many as 11 martins , and last year I could see 8 or 9 every day. For two years, I don’t see any completed nest when I clean the gourds out and no sign of eggs or babies. I have 6 more gourds to add this year hoping to attract more martins. The pole is at least 60 feet from any trees and is about 15 feet above ground. There is a sparrow/ finch bird that likes to build in one of the gourds but I continually remove that nest. Is there anything I need to do or any suggestions? Thanks
Spiderman
Posts: 991
Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:19 am
Location: Gladewater, Texas

How high are the gourds?

Ten feet is high enough, but honestly the higher the better.
Colony started in 2002

Offering 82 Troyer Horizontal Gourds

2018 - 45 PAIR - FLEDGED 203 MARTINS
2019 - 68 PAIR - FLEDGED 268 MARTINS
2020 - 82 PAIR - FLEDGED 392 MARTINS
2021 - 78 PAIR - FLEDGED 349 MARTINS
2022 - 76 PAIR - FLEDGED 373 MARTINS
2023 - 68 PAIR - FLEDGED 355 MARTINS

*2023 Added 2”X4” wire cages to all three Troyer Gemini Gourd Racks to deal with Great Horned Owl predation on Colony.
SSMartin
Posts: 463
Joined: Sun Jul 21, 2019 6:05 pm
Location: FL

What brand of gourds? There are some small plastic gourds that they generally won’t nest in if there are better alternatives in the area.
Woodhook
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2026 8:49 am
Location: Southern Ky

The gourds are around 15 feet high. I have them mounted horizontally spaced 6 inches apart. The gourds are Royal Wing that I purchased from Tractor Supply.
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