A purple martin house must be mounted on a pole or post at least 10
feet high
Don’t attach it to a tree, because cats and raccoons could easily climb to the nests, and purple martins won’t move in. Proper martin houses are on poles that can be raised and lowered vertically for inspection.
How high should purple martin house be?
Martin houses should be placed in an open location, at least 40 ft. from trees or buildings. Martins prefer to have clear access to houses from all sides, and like to have perching sites like utility wires nearby, but not attached to the nest box. The height of the housing can be anywhere from 12-20 ft.
What is a purple martin pole?
Purple Martin Pole System is a single pole that includes a winch with cable, pulley and ground socket Purple Martin Pole is a 2 inch square pole that is 16.5 ft tall. The Houses and Rack systems in this category are made to work with this pole.
What direction should a purple martin house face?
The good news is that purple martins aren’t picky when it comes to direction; north, south, east, and west are all fine, as long as it’s consistent. 6.
How far off the ground should a martin house be?
The height of an installed purple martin house should be between 12–20 feet The home should be placed at the upper end of that range if there are trees or bushes nearby, but if the area is very open then shorter homes will be just as suitable.
Can you use a flag pole for a purple martin house?
At your local Harbor Freight tool store is a hidden gem under the name of “One Stop Gardens” This aluminum flag pole can be raised up to 20 feet high and can be easily modified in just minutes to support your Purple Martin House.
When should I put up my purple martin house?
Purple martins will readily find nesting sites that are in proper locations. Nest boxes should be in place preferably in late March, but no later than April 15 Erect nest boxes on a pole at a height of 12 to 20 feet. Place boxes in open areas so that birds have access to them from all sides.
How far away from trees should a purple martin house be?
There should be no trees taller than the martin house within 40 to 60 feet.
How do you protect Purple Martins from owls?
Owl/
hawk guards
in front of the cavities and wire cages surrounding the cavities will help prevent the predator from reaching and grabbing nestlings and adults. Many commercial owl and hawk guards are available, Decoys—Decoys, while mainly used as an attraction tool, can also be used to distract hawks.
What animals eat Purple Martins?
- The most common predators for purple martins are owls and snakes which prey on both adults and juveniles
- Predators like snakes or raccoons are able to climb birdhouse poles and make their way to the entrance cavities.
How do you attract Purple Martins?
The birds will be naturally attracted to homes painted white , which also reflect heat better and keep nestlings in each house cooler. Both apartment-style houses and
gourd houses
are available, and creating clusters of houses will encourage large colonies of the birds to nest.
Why do purple martin houses have to be so high?
The house should be on some sort of pulley or winch system so you can raise and lower it easily That way you can clean the house, check on the nestlings and evict any unwelcome visitors like
house sparrows
and
european starlings
, points out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Do you have to clean out purple martin houses?
Don’t put your martin house up until four to six weeks after the first purple martins arrive. Once purple martins have used a martin house, they will return to it year after year. All you have to do is clean it out in fall , protect it from starlings and sparrows, and perhaps repaint it white every few years.
What kind of houses do purple martins like?
Purple martins are colony nesters, which means they nest in groups. Whether you choose gourds or an apartment-style model, place your purple martin houses in an open area that is 40 to 60 feet away from trees and at least 12 to 18 feet above the ground.
How do you protect Purple Martins from hawks?
Guard Dogs – A large breed dog that gets along well with your Purple Martins can be an excellent deterrent from not only birds of prey, but other predators as well. Just make sure not to keep a schedule when letting the dog out if it’s an indoor dog — letting them out at random will ensure the hawks remain cautious.
Where do purple martins go at night?
After fledging, juvenile Purple Martins, as well as adults and subadults will congregate at a roost. Large flocks of martins gather to spend the night at these roosts, which are usually situated near water or in trees Martins will then form smaller groups and begin migration from these roosts.
Will bluebirds nest in purple martin house?
The short answer… yes, House Sparrows and European Starlings are known for invading and taking up residence in Purple Martin birdhouses. And these birds are fierce competitors to the martin. Also, Tree Swallows and Bluebirds might nest in a martin house as well.
Why did my purple martins leave?
The most common reason martins abandon their colony site is because predators have raided their nests It only takes one foray up a martin pole by a snake or raccoon, a few nightly visits by an owl, or a few daily visits by a hawk or crow to cause all the surviving birds to abandon the site, often for- ever.
Do purple martins prefer gourds or houses?
Since gourds are their preferred housing , here are a few tips to make them into martin houses. The following will be required to complete the project: Obviously, you’ll need some gourds. Make sure they’re nice and big, at least 9 inches in diameter and as thick walled as you can get.
Do martins Eat wasps?
Other flying insects, such as bees, wasps, beetles, mayflies and flying ants make up the majority of their diet Purple Martins are highly vulnerable to extended periods of cold and rainy weather that can temporarily reduce the supply of their insect food.
How high should purple martin gourds be?
Early detection will allow landlords to fix any problem before it affects the entire martin colony. Height and Installation of Pole: Recommended height is 12-20′ The higher the housing is placed, the more susceptible it is to wind damage.
How do you hang a purple martin gourd house?
When dry, you can hang your gourd (you’ll need at least 4 to 6 gourds to attract purple martins) from a 24-inch plastic-coated copper wire. Thread the wire through two of the holes directly across from each other and hang it from a support line, below a martin house or on a specially made gourd rack.
Where do you hang purple martin gourds?
One of the most important steps in attracting Purple Martins is choosing the right location for your martin housing. Martins prefer housing that is placed in open areas with clear flyways. Choose the center of the largest open spot available, about 30-120 feet from human housing and at least 40-60 feet from trees.
Which direction should a bird house face?
What direction should a birdhouse face? A birdhouse and its entrance hole should face away from prevailing winds In the United States, it’s very common for a birdhouse to face east, which is often faced away from the prevailing wind and the strong afternoon sun.
Will Purple Martins run off other birds?
They bother the martins by continually running them off and if the martins do get to lay eggs, both of these birds will go from compartment to compartment, destroying the eggs and young and taking over the nesting cavities.
Are Purple Martins good to have around?
The Purple Martin feeds exclusively on flying insects such as beetles and dragon flies. They are beneficial to humans because their diet includes many destructive insects.
What is the best nesting material for purple martins?
Martins construct their nests of leaves, grass and feathers. Try offering these supplies hanging about your yard in old suet cages. Or, try our ready-made nesting material for added success. Predator Guards can be installed on the houses to protect from natural predators such as owls, hawks, snakes and raccoons.
What birds will nest in a purple martin house?
Purple Martins compete with House Sparrows and European Starlings for nesting sites. By keeping compartments closed until Purple Martins return to their breeding habitat, you can help reduce this competition. Starling-resistant entrance holes can also help reduce competition from starlings.
What do purple martins eat?
Feeds on a wide variety of flying insects, including many wasps and winged ants, and some bees; also many true bugs, flies (including house flies and crane flies), beetles, moths, and butterflies. Dragonflies may be an important part of diet. Also eats some spiders.
References
https://purplemartinplace.com/poles-accessories-c-51.html
12 ft. Heavy Duty Telescoping Pole for Purple Martin House
https://www.ebay.com/b/Purple-Martin-House-Pole/20502/bn_7023285821
https://www.birdwatching.com/tips/purplemartin_landlord.html