Hello from Topsail Beach, NC

[FishinTopsail]

Hi, I am a newbie, first year purple martin landlord. I have eight natural gourds, painted white, with round entrance holes and no other modifications. The colony was a gift, and was erected before I knew anything about purple martins. I realize I have a lot of things to change before next year, so I can be comfortable "my" birds will be safe. I have what looks to be completed nests in two gourds. I can see into one gourd, and have five eggs. The other gourd, I am unable to see into, (no access doors), but I believe it has eggs also, as there seems to be a martin in the gourd every time I look. I have witnessed a "changing of the guard", where one bird leaves the gourd and another immediately goes in.

I am not trying to start a debate about porches. I have found there are many opinions regarding porches. I read on the internet that with the porches removed, and a four inch roof added over the entrance hole, it would be practically impossible for a starling to enter the cavity. To be clear, I haven't been able to find this page since, so I can't verify what I am saying. I am just curious what you guys think about this suggestion. Thanks to all for your advise and help with my adventure as a martin landlord. The more I learn about them, the more I fall in love with these birds. They are absolutely amazing!

Regards and Thank you to all,
Johnny in Topsail Beach, NC
www.topsailbeachpurplemartins.com

[John Pearson]

On my Super Gourds with SREH's (Starling Resistant Entrance Holes) I have porches because I think it helps them because they have to crouch to get in. The starlings can't access through those holes with or without porches. My round hole super gourds and my Troyer horizontal gourds do not have porches.

Every year at at least one meeting our club gets into a porch discussion/ debate. I really think it comes down to landlord personal preference because the birds are just fine with a cavity.

BTW you really should drill and cap an access hole to your natural gourd. The time will come when you have mites or blo fly larvae and you'll want to change out the nest for your martins. Do it this winter when our birds are living it up in Rio-ha.

John

[FishinTopsail]

Originally Posted by John Pearson

BTW you really should drill and cap an access hole to your natural gourd. The time will come when you have mites or blo fly larvae and you'll want to change out the nest for your martins. Do it this winter when our birds are living it up in Rio-ha.

John

Thanks John, I already have purchased the access supplies, and it's at the top of my list during the migration. I also plan to add SREH's over the winter. One more thing, during a noon time nest check today, I found a baby, tiny and pink, trying to hold up it's head. I raised up the rack without checking the other gourds. I think I have eggs in my #1 gourd, but can't really see inside. (no access door) So I am learning the importance of the doors already. Thanks for your response and advice.
Johnny in Topsail Beach, NC
www.topsailbeachpurplemartins.blogspot.com