Martin Bird Houses – The Avian Condominium

All over the country, particularly in the West Coast, interest in bird houses has been steadily increasing. People are putting up bird houses in their own backyards. In stores, a myriad of new kinds of bird houses have emerged. You now have an endless array of bird houses to choose from, depending on your preference of design, size, or color. One of the most popular specialized bird houses right now are the martin bird houses.

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Just as there are several different types of human homes, there are also several kinds of homes for birds. There are bird houses designed for single occupancy, called cottages or shanties, and there are also larger bird houses called churches, cathedrals, or condominiums, which are built to provide shelter for as many as a hundred birds.

Martin bird houses are of the condominium type. The most common martin bird house can accommodate about 15 birds. Each bird in the avian condominium has its own room. There are usually several levels of this bird condominium. Some of the larger martin bird houses have as much as 12 levels, with at least 10 compartments in each level.

An extensive martin bird house does not only offer shelter to a larger population of birds. It also provides them with greater protection and security from weather, temperature and other natural elements, such as other animals. Many small birds like the purple martins commonly fall victim to larger animals, particularly birds of prey like owls and hawks. Big martin bird houses can provide them with relatively more protection against these predators than smaller homes ever could.

Martin bird houses contain several birds at a time, so droppings and other dirt can accumulate faster and constant maintenance is required. Moreover, because of the large number of residents, parasites can transfer from bird to bird quickly if you do not keep the condominium clean at all times.

With the large number of rooms in the martin bird house, regular cleaning could prove to be a wearisome task. If you are looking to buy a new martin bird house, try to choose one whose back wall can easily be dismantled. This will make it easier for you to clean the compartments thoroughly. If you want a martin bird house that is placed on a pole, you need to have a way to raise and lower it easily to make cleaning less difficult. If you keep your martin bird house sanitary, your bird tenants will be very grateful and they will keep coming back to your place.

Author: David Faulkner

You can also find more info on Bird Houses and Bird House Crafts. Thisbirdhouse.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Bird House Crafts, Kits and Plans.

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Bird House Guide

The following roll points a model of the type of bird house which is necessary by certain species. Purple martins are the biggest members of family of swallows. The purple martin bird house had to size 6 inches across on the inside.

Martin Bird Houses

Martins are sometimes difficult to attract, but it’s easier if you have some well constructed purple martin bird houses in place. Well-shaded lawns with big trees are poor habitats. It may take a year or two to attract martins.

Conservation and Cavity-Nesting Birds

That is how the first purple martin bird house was created. (It is important to note here that, contrary to many claims, mosquitoes are not among the insects favored by purple martins.)

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Purple Martin Birdhouse Condos

For better or worse, one particular bird species has come to depend on the type of housing that humans provide for their nesting and reproductive needs. For this reason, it is vital that you understand the importance of providing the right kind of Purple Martin bird house.

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While most bird houses are one room, single occupancy type of places, others, often called cathedrals or churches, are much larger and can shelter dozens and dozens of birds.

But Purple Martins actually like condos!

Amazing it may seem, these birds prefer the company of others, but also seem to want their own separate living space. Most martin houses accommodate 12-15 birds. There are usually several levels, and each bird has its own separate living quarters within the larger unit.

Martins often return to their bird house for multiple seasons once they become comfortable. This of course comes with the understanding that their homes must remain clean, in good condition, and free from any potential predators.

Later in the season, the real payoff comes for many – watching the babies spread their wings for the first time as they struggle to learn to fly. The joy of seeing a young bird soar confidently through the air for the very first time is a nearly indescribable experience for many.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of all is having the knowledge that you have helped (in a large way) to continue to propagation and survival of this beautiful species, and will be paid back with many happy hours of watching your beloved tenants happily go about living a big portion of their lives right in your backyard.

Author: Donovan Sparks

Click the link for more FREE information about setting up a purple martin bird house at http://topbirdhousekits.com/providing-a-purple-martin-bird-house-is-worth-it/.

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Purple Martin Bird House

But I like learning new skills and I like challenges . This summer I decided to make a Purple Martin bird house for one old man. He use to have two of those, so I decided to make him happy and build bird house for him.

Controlling Purple Martin Competitors

It is absolutely imperative for Purple Martin bird house owners to perform regular, thorough nest checks to help ward off these pests. For the average person, though, it is not possible to actively monitor their Purple Martin house all …

A Purple Martin Bird House

Note that the plan calls for nailing a 3/4-inch strip onto the boards which are the ends of the house. his makes the 11 1/2-inch board the full 12 1/4 inches necessary to make the rooms 6 x 6 inches.

Purple Martin Condo

Martins are sometimes difficult to attract, but it’s easier if you have some well constructed purple martin bird houses in place. Well-shaded lawns with big trees are poor habitats. It may take a year or two to attract martins.

Purple Martin Bird Houses « Backyard Bird Watching

I just got a purple martin bird house. Finally! Now the purple martins are already back in the united states and have selected their nesting sites, having babies and all that stuff you want purple martins to do in your yard.

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Tips For Building Purple Martin Houses 

Great tips you can use for building and caring for purple martin housing or other birdhouses.

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1. Organize your birdhouse building plans based on the species in your area and those you want to attract. There are numerous resources available that provide overviews of popular species in your area, as well as their respective feeding preferences. I find that searching online is free and easy; while also providing all the information needed. You may have spotted birds in your area and are not quite sure of the species. The online search can help you identify the bird by a photo or by various features of the bird. Your search words should include the question that you are asking or simple key words such as "birds in the northeast", "red birds in New Jersey", etc.

2. Be sure to have the proper tools and building materials. The tools and materials depend on the final product you want to hang or display. Birdhouse building projects range from a simple basic birdhouse built from wood scraps to complex decorative designs requiring the purchasing of materials. The choice of tools obviously is determined by the design you choose. It can be the simple and traditional box-style birdhouse with a roof; or a highly precise and complex decorated structure. For a basic design, you can get by with a hand saw, hammer, drill, ruler and screw driver. Likewise, the material list for the basic birdhouse is also simple. Some scrap wood, preferably 1" x8"x 10", wooden dowels " x 4" long, a 1" drill bit, waterproof wood glue, finishing nails or galvanized wood screws. A more complex birdhouse design will require additional tools and materials.

3. Take the time to select the proper paints and/or stains. The right selection of finishes is critical to insuring that your bird house remains durable over time. When you complete your birdhouse, there is a feeling of pride and accomplishment. You certainly want it to last through the harsh weather conditions associated with extremely hot summers and cold snowy winters and everything in between. Use only exterior paints and polyurethane finishes for your bird house project. Make sure you properly prepare wood finishes by sanding off the burrs and blemishes first. Lastly, never apply paints or stains to the inside of the birdhouse.

4. Properly hanging and placing a birdhouse will get you the most activity. Placement of your birdhouse is as important as the structure itself. Poles, fences, and trees are the most common objects that bird houses hang from. A metal pole is my first choice, as it harder for predators, like snakes and raccoons, to raid the nest. Poles are also easy to maintain. While it could be more work to install a pole for your birdhouse, the benefits may outweigh your efforts. A pole can be placed in a location that brings maximum visibility; enabling you to enjoy your hobby while also providing accessibility for maintenance. From an aesthetic point of view however, I prefer hanging my birdhouses on trees.

5. Caring for your birdhouse is relatively simple if you build it with an easily removable roof or wall AND drill drainage holes in the floor. The drainage holes not only remove rainwater, but provide air flow that helps keep insect population low. At the end of each season I recommend you remove the bedding. Make sure the drainage holes are clear so that any water accumulation is not present thus avoiding winter icing and potential cracking. Visually inspect the birdhouse and check for loose screws and other damages. Repair as necessary. You and others are now ready to enjoy another season of your handy work and see nature as it is intended.

Author: Vincent Saponar

Vincent Saponar lives in North Western New Jersey, and has been an avid birder and outdoorsman for many years. He owns many different binoculars and has considerable knowledge and expertise around not only binoculars, but other sports optics instruments as well, i.e., night vision devices and rangefinders. For more helpful information on binoculars and other sports optics instruments, I recommend visiting http://onesourceoptics.com

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Bird-X Songbird Magnet Successfully Lures Purple Martins

Danny here from Purple Martin Propagators in Austin, TX. I’ve installed over 1200 Supergourd Purple Martin Housing Systems in the last 3 years and have found that using the SongBird Magnet speeds up the colonization process.

15th Annual Purple Martin Field Day Event

Topics to be covered include: * how to establish and increase a colony of Purple Martins; * advantages and disadvantages of different types of martin housing; * how to protect Martins from starlings, House Sparrows, owls, …

Bird House Buying Guide or How to Choose the Right Bird House

Purple martins are the biggest members of family of swallows. The purple martin house had to size 6 inches across on the inside and must have an entry of two and a half inches in diameter. Purple martin houses must be colored with white.

Attract Purple Martins

Over one million North Americans maintain housing for Purple Martins. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these folks successfully attract breeding martins. Below is a list of the top ten reasons why so many people fail.

Purple Martin Conservation In Milwaukee

We’re looking to obtain unused purple martin housing of any type, to be refurbished if possible, and re-installed on better locations – both to attempt to establish new colonies, and expand existing ones.

Female Purple Martin

I guess something like 80% are attracted due to nest housing set up by Purple Martin lovers on the west coast..some do find natural habitats for breeding but most are from birders The males are gorgeous too.

Purple Martins

I really like using gourds for purple martin housing. They are so easy to care for and lightweight. If I was rich and had an established purple martin colony though, I would definitely get one of these Lonestar purple martin houses.

How to Build a Roof Ten Things To Consider

The only exception to wood is Purple Martin Housing — many are made out of Metal. Roof Overhang The roof should overhang the entrance hole by 1 to 2 inches. This both shades the entrance hole and keeps the rain out.

The Next Level Of Bird Study

If you would like to learn more, see the Purple Martins in Wisconsin blog at http://puma-in-wi.blogspot.com/ We need more used martin housing in good condition, or donations for new housing, poles, gourds, and other equipment.

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Martin Gourd Birdhouse Cleaning Tips

Here are some great tips you can follow to clean your martin gourd birdhouses (or any of your birdhouses) at the end of each season.

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As the winter turns to spring and the geese once again begin flying north in those beautiful V formations you hear flying overhead, it is time to check your nestboxes once again. Even if you cleaned your birdhouses out in the fall, after all the nesting activity was over, you need to check them all and make sure they are once again ready for the return of all of your cavity nesting birds.

You may find that your birdhouses were used by some bird species during cold winters to stay warm at night. You may even find evidence that mice were using some of your nestboxes for homes. No matter what birds or animals took advantage of the warmth of your birdhouses during the winter, there are important considerations you need to know when you begin cleaning out those nestboxes in the spring.

Position yourself to avoid inhaling any dust from the nestbox and wear gloves while cleaning out the boxes. I use a putty knife to remove any old birds nests or wasps nests and put them into a plastic bag with a tie or a zip lock bag in case there are any parasites in the nestbox material. Dispose of old nest materials in the trash. Do not dispose of the old nesting materials close to the birdhouse as this may attract predators.

Once you have scraped out the nestbox and made sure all of the drain and vent holes are open, you can disinfect birdhouses by spraying them with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach, nine parts water). If you decide to disinfect your birdhouses, leave them open for 24 hours to allow them to dry before closing them back up. I recommend disinfecting your nestboxes if you have evidence of parasites in any specific boxes. Many times you can simply scrape the insides of the birdhouses and wash them out with a sharp stream of water.

Just as I’m sure you like a clean house, your bird friends enjoy a clean birdhouse when they arrive in the springtime to bring all of their beautiful color and song to your backyard. Make them welcome by keeping your birdhouses clean before they arrive in the spring and, if you have nesting birds that produce more than one brood per season, clean out the nestboxes after each brood.

Let’s get ready for a great birding season by cleaning out your birdhouses now and enjoying all of your feathered friends and their offspring for years to come. Happy birding!

Author: Larry A Jordan

Larry Jordan has been bird watching for many years and building birdhouses for over 26 years. For quality bird products including bird feeders, bird houses, binoculars, scopes, birding field guides, CDs and DVDs and much more, go to Birds In My Yard for some great deals.

If you want to learn how to build your own birdhouses go to Build Your Own Birdhouse Plans and while you’re there, sign up for my newsletter to receive a free mini-course on how to attract birds to your yard! Plus you can go to my resources page for free plan downloads and a link to my Blog.

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Purple Martin Gourd Houses

In addition to the joy of having the birds, this is a reason many people construct artificial nesting houses to attract martins to their home for natural insect control. One type of nesting structure is a gourd house.

The Purple Martin Gourd: A Relationship Between Man and Bird

Whatever happened, it was discovered by man that a large gourd with a hole in it could entice the Purple Martins to nest in it. thus was born, the Purple Martin Gourd.

Purple Martin Houses

Then I turned my attention to the purple martin gourd houses. I had no idea the Amish were professional gourd bird house makers. Their website contains detailed instructions for creating your own gourd purple martin house.

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Purple Martins… birds that make great neighbors. Not only do purple martins birds help keep insects at bay they also have a pleasant chattering call and a stunning purplish blue color to enjoy.

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Whether you are hooked on bird watching or just like to know what you are looking at, knowing your birds is important. In this article, we take a look at Purple Martins.

As the name suggests, Purple Martins are a colorful bunch. Only the males actually have a purplish blue color. Females tend to be dark brown with bellies that are whitish. Male or female, they have a distinct appearance.

Purple Martins are members of the swallow family. They are found throughout North America, but migrate to South America in the summer. They are a larger bird noted for their triangular wings. They have a deep whistle and often made metal sounding trilling calls.

These are a much loved bird by homeowners in the spring and summer. Why? They are insect eaters. Specifically, they have been touted as mosquito eaters. While they do eat mosquitoes, they tend to go for larger insects that make better meals. Still, anything that eats mosquitoes gets a thumbs up in my book!

When it comes to nesting, Purple Martins like to be up in the air. They build nests in niches or gourd like areas. The use twigs and dry grass for the structure, but line the interior with green leaves. This is believed to help maintain humidity for the eggs. The female Purple Martins will lay three to seven eggs. Oddly, the first eggs tend to result in stronger chicks than the latter eggs. Once hatched, the parents feed the chicks insects ranging from beetles to ants. The chicks remain in the nest for roughly one month.

As a member of the swallow family, Purple Martins are social birds. They are seen migrating in huge flocks. They nest in colonies of these flocks. They are also receptive to human habitats, which means you may see them in your backyard and on golf courses.

They are an interesting bird to keep an eye out for when you are birding. They are certainly worth adding to your life list, although they are not really a difficult sighting to find.

Author: Richard Chapo

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com – makers of birding journals that make great bird watching gifts.

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Banding Purple Martins

Over the last 3 days Mark Newstrom and I have banded close to 200 young Purple Martins. This year marks the first year of a color banding program to track birds. I have posted photos and a video clip for anyone interested.

More About Purple Martins Birds 

Mark and I went to a couple of new colonies this morning and in beautiful weather we banded 34 more young Purple Martins. One of the colonies already has both young fledged and flying around and chicks that are no more than 2 days old.

Purple Martins Birds 

Purple Martins are birds that are colony nesters – meaning, they prefer to live almost like humans in apartments. I was able to visit a colony maintained by some very nice folks outside the metro area.

Purple Martins Birds Have Landed In The Lakes

In 2000, people in Portage Lakes decided to build houses for Purple Martins in hope of reducing the insect populations. The birds were counted on to target insects that had been plaguing the region.

Purple Martins Birds 

If there was a ten most wanted list for birds, Purple Martins would be on it. Over a million people in North America put up Martin houses in hopes of attracting a colony. If only it were so easy. Purple Martins are picky house hunters.

Purple Martins

Purple Martins are rare on the the west coast of Canada. Unlike the eastern race, they only breed along the coast. Years ago they nested in dead trees along the south coast of British Columbia.

Purple Martins Birds 

I had seen and heard reports of Purple Martins being seen, so it was a thrill to finally see some ourselves. The lady to whom this birdhouse belongs was so kind and welcoming to us, which we appreciated greatly.

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Purple Martin Bird Houses and what it takes to be a Purple Martin Landlord

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Purple Martin Scouting Season

The coming of a new year is an exciting time for many, but purple martin landlords have an extra reason to be excited. That reason is that purple martin "scouts" will soon begin arriving and searching for nesting sites. Purple martin enthusiasts should be busying themselves with cleaning and maintaining their birdhouses in preparation for a colony of martins, which could arrive as early as December.

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss what purple martin scouts really are, when to get purple martin birdhouses up and ready for them, and why being a purple martin landlord is an important role.

When a Scout Is Not a Scout

It was once believed that the early arriving martins would somehow communicate with other purple martins upon finding a suitable nesting site, but such is not the case. They are often still referred to as "scouts" out of habit and familiarity, but it is a misnomer. Early birds of the purple martin variety are simply adults that know where they are going. They get preferred seating, one might say.

Nesting Site Fidelity

Site fidelity is a term describing a very interesting characteristic of purple martin behavior. If a purple martin pair finds a birdhouse where they successfully nest and raise their young, there is a very high likelihood that they will return to that same purple martin birdhouse the next year.

For purple martin landlords, site fidelity means that the hardest part of hosting a purple martin colony is getting that first pair or two to nest. After that, the birds will probably return. Of course, the owner of a purple martin birdhouse must always be vigilant and diligent in his or her efforts. The reward of a successful colony is worth it.

If You See It, Say It

Over the last twenty to thirty years, purple martins have recovered from near-disastrous population declines, mostly because of caring people who put up and properly maintain purple martin birdhouses. These wonderful birds are not out of the woods yet, however. Opportunities for new purple martin landlords abound.

Another thing people can do to help bolster the purple martins’ progress is to report sightings and breeding successes to proper organizations. There are many such institutions, like the Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

The PMCA has several "citizen science" projects, including the annual Scout Arrival Study. Purple martin lovers (not necessarily landlords) report to the PMCA whenever they see a purple martin scout in their area. This helps monitor the migration habits of the birds; purple martin landlords may use it to know when to open up their purple martin birdhouses in a particular area. For example, in the 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons, the first sightings in Florida came in December of the previous year! Meanwhile, the first scout sightings in New York came in mid-April of those years. The rest of the purple martins begin arriving two to four weeks after the scouts in a given area.

Purple martin scouts, which are not scouts at all, but adult birds eager to return to a familiar birdhouse, are a welcome sight in the early months of a new year. The full population of martins completes its spring migration as late as June in its northern abodes, so there are many opportunities for purple martin landlords to begin or expand colonies. It is a happy time, indeed; so put your purple martin birdhouse up and get ready to enjoy the show!

By Michael Rasco Published: 12/25/2007

Purple Martin Bird Houses

I just got a purple martin bird house. Finally! Now the purple martins are already back in the united states and have selected their nesting sites, having babies and all that stuff you want purple martins to do in your yard.

Purple Martin Bird Houses: 4 Units

Purple Martin House: 4 Units. All of the bird houses we offer are hand-crafted by P&S Country crafts. Features Hinged back door makes for easy clean-out, comes with hook lock. 

Purple Martin Bird Houses: For the Birds

This objective of the birdhouse competition was to design and construct birdhouses that promoted nesting and provided shelter for migrating birds. This was a unique opportunity to showcase free-flying imagination and soaring creativity!

Purple Martin House

A rope and a pole made it easy for two people to raise and lower the bird house but in a pinch, one person could manage. The 16 hole martin houses are gone now after 32 years but I dug up one post anchor and saved it.

New Device Tracks Songbirds’ Response to Changing …

Many members of the association are “purple martin landlords.” They build and maintain birdhouses that serve as the only habitat for this species east of the Rocky Mountains. Purple martins began switching to man-made homes in the 1600s.

Purple Martins from Cape May Point State Park- New Jersey Bird Photos

Purple Martins from Cape May Point State Park. Purple Martin House.  Here are some purple martin photos from a purple martin house at Cape May Point State Park. Our favorite NJ bird photos include Hairy Woodpeckers, the Black Crowned Night Heron, the Double-crested Cormorant, the Kestrel, the Goldfinch- The State Bird of New Jersey, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, the Mute Swan.

2009 – Week #9 Mississippi Gulf Coast Blue Bird Trail Update

I need to get some purple martin bird houses, they are all over my yard. I see young ones, too, they must be laying somewhere nearby. You take the best bird pictures, Lance!

Purple Martin Bird Houses – Sunday Ramble in Amish Country

Many Amish homesteads have purple martin houses. This is one of my favorite martin house complexes – made from dried gourds. There are many beautiful gardens in this area. … I was wondering what those bird houses were made from. I like them.

Purple Martins Majesty

We have a purple martin house in our backyard and are fortunate enough to have attracted birds the very first season it was up, which I think was three years ago. I have never seen another bird that so obviously loves to fly the way …

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This article reviews how to attract purple martins to your purple martin gourd or nesting boxes. I’m sure you will find some great tips for keeping your purple martin gourd or birdhouses popular with our delightful friends.

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Purple Martins are the largest swallows in all of North America, measuring in at seven and a half inches long with the male of the species featuring stunning, iridescent purple colored feathers. Today, the subspecies of these songbirds are completely dependent upon human intervention east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States to ensure they aren’t in danger of becoming extinct. For this reason, many gardeners and homeowners work diligently at being conscientious landlords, providing the ideal nesting boxes for the Purple Martin to breed.

Here are some important factors to remember when trying to attract breeding Purple Martins to your garden:

The Right Place and Time

Picking the absolute right location is imperative for attracting martins as nesting boxes should be placed in the open-most spot, the farther away from trees the better, and no closer than 30 feet to human housing.

It is actually a myth that the first martins to arrive in the spring are "scouts" looking for the best new breeding sites before the rest of the flock arrives a few weeks later. Purple Martins will return to the same location year after year, provided they aren’t in danger of predators or overrun by other, larger species of birds. So, these "early birds" that are seen earliest in the year are either on their way to their usual nesting spot, or they’re simply just the first to arrive.

The very first martins to arrive usually make their yearly debut around the first of February in the southernmost portion of the U.S. with some even arriving sooner in the middle of January in most of Florida. The majority of the sub-adult martins, last year’s hatchlings, will arrive four to six weeks later for the upper third of the continent, two weeks later for the middle third, and two weeks after that for the remaining third.

Regardless of your location, keep your martin house open through the end of August as the hatchlings from this year will be ready to find next year’s breeding place in late July or August.

The Best Housing

The best nest-boxes, birdhouses, or gourd-shaping houses for martins are painted white, or a very pale pastel as the birds are attracted to lighter colors, which also keeps the inside cool for the nestlings. Openings should be starling-resistant at no larger than 2-1/4" in diameter, no smaller than 1-3/4" and located one inch from the floor of the birdhouse.

7 x 12 inches is the optimum size for nesting boxes, although they may be as small as 6 x6 inches. If you’re buying a pre-made nest-box or building your own, be sure to check these measurements for the best results for attracting Purple Martins to your garden.

West of the Rockies, the nesting habits of martins are somewhat different than in other locations of the country as in the Pacific northwest, the birds will nest in single units and gourd-shaped boxes, but not in multiple, apartment-style boxes that Purple Martins in the east will use. Also, in the southwest, martins will nest exclusively in cacti that have "pre-drilled" holes thanks to another bird, the woodpecker.

The best housing for martins will also offer protection from the elements as well as predators, and should feature poles equipped with guards to keep creatures such as snakes and squirrels from the nests inside. Purple Martin birdhouses should be stored indoors for the winter months, or completely sealed up, as other birds, squirrels, and some insects will set up shop before the martins arrive the following spring.

Author: Roy Thomsitt

To choose your purple martin bird house purple martin bird house, bird bath fountains, plus other garden decor please visit the gardens-and-decor.com web site

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Purple Martin Gourd – Purple Martins

Purple martins have arrived!!! Grandpa and Gigi bought these innovative Purple Martin houses at a recent Home and garden Show in San Antonio. Tom and his dad put it all together and the very next day we had birds! Each bird supposedly eats approximately 2000 bugs and flying insects a day! The gourds hover above our garden…hoping these birds will be a natural insecticide!

Gourds? A Great Home for Purple Martins

Heath Manufacturing makes some great gourds for attracting Purple Martins and preventing Sparrows and other types of wild birds from tryin efd g to make them home. The Easy Clean Deluxe Purple Martin Gourd helps to keep Sparrows and others …

Levelling the Playing Field – Controlling Purple Martin Competitors

The Purple Martin Gourd: A Relationship Between Man and Bird Somewhere in history, man discovered the Purple Martin, an in-flight… Attracting and Caring for Purple Martins The interaction between man and martin dates all the way.

Three Extreme Eco-friendly Houses of the Future

The Ewok-style tree house should be called the Martin House, as in Purple Martin gourd houses. that’s what it reminds me of. Seems to me you could start with a $2000 backyard shed and fit it out with insulation, mini-kitchen (maybe …

Purple Martins

It was a perfect day to get some more spring chores done outside and so I decided to get my purple martin gourd "furnished" and hung up on the gourd rack.

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Here is an interesting article about purple martins and how the purple martin gourd bird house came to be and how the purple martin gourd bird house has since evolved.

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US $68.88 End Date: Thursday Aug-26-2010 16:46:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $68.88 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $35.75 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 17:01:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $39.95 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $83.50 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 17:01:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $91.85 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

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The Purple Martin Connection

Let us briefly explore how the bond between Purple Martins and humans became so strong, and examine the opportunity that bond gives us to step into our roles as stewards and caretakers – rather than ravagers – of the natural world.

East of the Rocky Mountains, Purple Martins almost exclusively nest in birdhouses provided by humans. This bond between man and bird did not always exist, of course. It evolved over centuries naturally and likely by accident. Now that Purple Martins are so dependent upon us for their housing, it becomes incumbent upon us to foster this uniquely beautiful relationship. Let us briefly explore how this bond became so strong, and examine the opportunity it gives us to step into our roles as stewards and caretakers – rather than ravagers – of the natural world.

Originally, Purple Martins nested in abandoned woodpecker holes, decaying trees, or wherever they could find a cavity big enough to contain their nest. Native Americans initiated the human connection with the birds. Gourds were hollowed out and hung from poles or tree branches to cure, to be later used as water vessels. The people were probably surprised when first they saw a pair of steel-blue martins making a cozy abode in their beverage ware!

Later, European colonists and frontiersmen took note of the ties between Purple Martins and the Natives. In 1831, a man named Alexander Wilson observed, "Even the solitary Indian seems to have a particular respect for this bird." ["Thanks to Native Americans, Purple Martins Underwent a Complete Tradition Shift" - James R. Hill, III] The Native Americans may have nurtured the relationship with Purple Martins because of the massive amounts of insects they eat. (It is important to understand, though, that mosquitoes are not on the martins’ menu; that myth was an invention of unscrupulous marketers trying to sell more birdhouses!) It is also quite possible that the Natives simply enjoyed the aerobatic feats of these nimble flyers, as many people do today.

As people expanded into the Purple Martins’ territory, there were fewer and fewer places for martins and other birds to nest. Luckily, people already knew how to provide homes for the martins, at least in a rudimentary fashion.

However, our encroachment continued, and the pressure on Purple Martin populations increased exponentially. Urban expansion, suburban sprawl, road building, deforestation, river damming, and many of our other activities nearly spelled the end for the enchanting, gregarious martins.

Finally, concerned citizens began to try to reverse the downward trend in the number of Purple Martins. New types of housing were developed, eventually evolving into the multi-unit bird apartments that can now be seen all across the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada. The designs and specifications of Purple Martin birdhouses continue to change as we learn more about these wonderful birds. The large, mansion-like houses, made of wood, plastic, aluminum, or some combination of these, supplanted the natural gourds as the favorites of Purple Martin landlords; but the gourds, like the martins themselves, are making a comeback. Many people spend days carving and curing gourds to hang from wires or mount on poles. The birdhouse manufacturers have also thrown their hats into the ring, producing durable, attractive artificial Purple Martin gourds that the birds seem to love.

The Purple Martin enthusiasts began to spread the word about the plight of the birds, and, over time, more and more people ventured into the realm of Purple Martin landlording. The number of martins nesting in the U.S. and Canada has rebounded significantly, though the population is still meager in comparison to its former size.

The prevalence of competitors like European Starlings and English House Sparrows, coupled with the effects of human society will prevent Purple Martins from reestablishing their former number, but there is no reason why they cannot have a robust and healthy population. Their fate is now in our hands. We, who initiated the Purple Martin Connection so long ago, can make all the difference.

By Michael Rasco Published: 2/1/2008

Ten Birds That Help Control Garden Pests

Tina Phillips, project leader of Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird House Network, adds, “The most important thing to do to attract birds to your yard is to provide an enticing habitat, not just a nest box. West of the Rockies, purple martins often nest in tree cavities and building crevices, while in the East they typically nest with as many as 30 pairs in hotel-like boxes or hanging, hollow gourds.

Purple Finch Added To Bird List

On their trips to Northeast Tennessee, however, Toni said they have not seen very many gourds or houses for Purple Martins. She wondered if the temperature is too cold for Purple Martins.

Purple Martin Birdhouse Gourds

Add smaller hole at the top for hanging and in the bottom for drainage. You can custom paint each house or use wood burning tools to decorate… Consider hanging a collection of gourds together for swallows or purple martins.

THE PURPLE MARTIN GOURD BIRD HOUSE

Purple martins need elbow room, so if you can, allow at least a twenty-foot diameter of clear space around the birdhouse. These birds like a high perch and like to have an abundance of egg shells at their disposal. The Native Americans knew the advantages of having martin colonies around their corn fields. That’s why they put up birdhouses made from gourds and calabashes to attract them.

Build A Purple Martin Gourd Bird House For The Birds

Build a Purple Martin bird house and attract these bug-eating birds to your yard to help make your summer pest-free. … More than 100 years ago, Native Americans made homes for purple martins out of gourds, attracting the friendly swallows to their camps. Build a four-family house and attract these bug-eating birds to your yard to help make your summer pest-free.

Purple Martin Gourd Birdhouse Is Fun And Easy To Make

For Purple martins, paint your gourds white. Two or three coats of exterior latex will put a good finish on your birdhouse gourds for martins. Martins, swallows, and wrens delight in the movement of a hanging gourd birdhouse.

The Gourd is the Original Southwest Bird House

The natural gourd bird house is by far the first choice for Purple Martins. Many other wild bird species also choose natural gourd birdhouses to other man-made abodes. Woodpeckers will likely always prefer their own excavated homes.

Purple Martin Gourd Bird House

Purple Martin bird houses were first used to attract breeding pairs of Purple Martins by Native Americans. They would hang hollowed out gourds from trees to encourage nesting. No one really knows when this practice began.

Purple Martin Gourd Bird House

Then I turned my attention to the purple martin gourd bird house. I had no idea the Amish were professional gourd bird house makers. Their website contains detailed instructions for creating your own gourd purple martin bird house.

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