Lowering Houses

kennethsonnier · Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:18 pm

I don't normally post, but do read them each day. Just for info, on Monday we had 40mph winds, so I lowered my modified Trio with two Naturelines under it and my Watersedge with two Naturelines under it. The Trio was taken down to where the gourds were about 5-6 feet above my dock and about 9 feet above the water. The Watersedge was down to about 8 feet above the dock. I did this when the martins were out. All 12 of them came back just before dark, after a little hesitation and about 4 low and fast passes. I was a little concerned they wouldn't enter with the housing so low, but no problem--now I'm a believer in doing this when severe winds are forecast, to avoid bent poles or destroyed housing.
I'm located near Picayune,MS, about 45 miles north of New Orleans. I'm on a 200 acre lake, with my housing at the edge of my dock. I had my first returnee on 10 Feb, and it's been a steady increase since then. In fact, this morning there were about 16 martins around, but some may be visitors. I'll know more this evening. So far, no subbies!

Guest · Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:14 pm

Thanks for the information, Kenneth. I am new to martins and have worried about what to do if a hurricane or tropical winds are coming my way.

- Judy

CraigMo. · Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:34 pm

Ken, its scary the 1rst time, but you probably or could save some money by lowering it. You know those poles are expensive!!!!! I also lower my poles when necessary. I have even done it when it was dark and was scared I would lose my colony. I won't do it in the dark again. I remember your name and I think you use to post quite a bit.

kennethsonnier · Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:09 pm

Craig
I used to post from time to time, but never a lot. I do enjoy all the useful and entertaining info, and all the dedicated and nice people who are willing to share so much. Glad to hear you also had good results from lowering the housing, other than after dark! Hope you have a successful season. I counted 13 in for the night, but they came in just before dark so I couldn't identify how many males or females. Also, I think I have a couple or so visitors from across the lake who may be staying the night occasionally.

zoefluf · Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:05 pm

Ken,
I too, was hesitant to lower my housing. But, this year, I have been doing it quite a bit as these fronts have been coming through weekly. I only live about an hour from you in Bush, LA., just South of Bogalusa.

I have decided though, not to keep putting it up and taking it down so much -I don't want the PMs to be in a state of confusion. So, if I know that it will be windy for a few days or that another front is expected soon after the first, then I just leave the housing in the lowered position (mine are about 8 feet from the ground). The PMs don't seem to mind.

By the way, I've seen some snakes already this year, so get your netting in place if you haven't done so already, especially if you are by the water.
Jeanne