Dwight Martin
- Burleson, TX
- Tarrant County
- Landlord for over 30 yrs.
Hosted 63 pr in 64 gourds in 2009 fledging 196.
Offering 80 gourds in 2010.
I am a very active landlord, I treat for parasites, do nestchecks at least weekly, eradicate EUST and HOSP, provide owl, snake, and varmint protection, provide emergency food, provide egg and oyster shell feeder. I have mentored 2 landlords so far in my area with good success.
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- Posted: January 2010
Malcolm Stephens
- Texarkana, TX
- Bowie County
- I have been hosting martins for 5 yrs.I have been really getting heavy into the hobby the last 2 yrs. If I could find someone else in the Texarkana area who enjoys and has the enthusiasm about martins or who wants too,please contact me. I would love to help someone get started or if you\'re a seasoned landlord ,maybe you could help me I am learning everyday.I would like to meet others who love this like I do.
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- Posted: May 2009
Kenny Crawford
- Grand Prairie, TX
- Dallas County
- I have been a Martin Landlord for over 30 years. I started in the 1970\'s in Shreveport, La. I had martins where i lived, but my job transfered me to Texas so in 1993 i again started attracting Martins.
I have a Lonestar Goliad House and a Lonestar Gourd Rack. Both have cable/winch setup\'s on them. Last year i had 50 martins(23 Pair) 107 eggs laid with 101 fledged. I expect even more martins this year for 2008. I will do anything that I can to help someone get and keep martins. I am Mentoring Tracy Hollis at Grand Prairie High School right now. We have a Gourd Rack & S&K Barn up trying to attract Martins and i go there every morning to play the dawnsong.
- 4362 Cantrell st.
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
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- 972-642-2025
- Posted: March 2008
James & Debbie Ditmore
- Robert Lee, TX
- Coke County
- In 2006 we put up our first martin 12 room housing unit. We were amazed at our luck as we had one pair to lay eggs and hatch 4 eggs. Last year (2007) we had 3 pair nest with 2 pair raising their young. This year (2008) we put up an additional S&K Barn. So far this year, we have had one pair to return and hopefully more will come. Our martin site just seems to keep growing. Doing nest checks on our martins is so enlightening and enjoyable. We Love working in our garden and backyard and listening to the martins singing and clucking. If we can help anyone with anything, just email us and we will more than happy to help!
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- Posted: February 2008
Angela Chance
- Kyle, TX
- Hays County
- I am willing to help anyone interested in becoming a GREAT landlord and help in the preservation of our beloved native songbird, the Purple Martin. I host over 30 pairs of martins at my site in Kyle, TX. I am available to help others in the surrounding Austin/Kyle area. My housing (2008) consists of a LoneStar Goliad with add-a-rack holding 8 natural gourds, a Coates WatersEdge Suites 8 room house and a PMCA 4 gourd rack. I am familiar with all types of housing and with attracting martins and colony management. I have been an active landlord since 2003 and enjoy helping others.
KEEP LOOKING UP
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- 512-619-2250
- Posted: January 2008
Chris Platt
- Gatesville, TX
- Coryell County
- Martin landlord for over 40 years.Over 100 nesting pair in 2007.Experience in dealing with martin predators(Hawks,rat snakes,owls).
- 108 Robert St
Gatesville, TX 76528
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- 254-865-9064
- Posted: September 2007
Gary & Ester Saner
- Carrollton, TX
- Denton County
- I have been a Purple Martin landlord since 1967. My current colony is located in Carrollton, Texas but I have also hosted colonies in Fort Worth and The Colony. Originally, I used wooden houses but also have experience with aluminum houses, natural gourds and plastic gourds. My current colony normally averages about 18 pair per year. It would be my pleasure to answer questions from anyone trying to attract these beautiful birds.
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- Posted: January 2006
Harry Joel
- Weatherford, TX
- Parker County
- Two years ago I erected my first 2-story house. I followed the recommendations about best location. Early 2004 I was thrilled to see some scouts arrive, followed soon by 4 pairs. They settled in and after finishing their nests, I could see the males start to feed the females that were staying in the nest. They were not at all spooked when I took photos standing right under the house. There songs were a delight. I observed them from inside the sunroom with a large window wall. Then came May 2 and ominous clouds formed. A large storm with sustained winds of 100 mph plus roared through covering a 50 mile long swatch. The pole was bent over at 45 degrees and finally the house with the of section pulled away and all was smashed to the ground 100 feet away. No sign of the inhabitants, just a few feathers and broken eggs here and there. I felt the loss of the beautiful companions to be worse than the shed, barn roof and house roof which received major damage. The reason I post all the above is a lesson I want to pass on: If there is any chance of high winds, immediatedly lower the two top sections of the mast down into the bootom section. We replaced the house and new post but too late in the season we had no more visitors. In 2005 we had a few scouts come by, but no residents. Hoping that the new year (2006) will bring back new families.
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- 817-221-6666
- Posted: January 2006
Frank Birkhead
- Pharr, TX
- Hidalgo County
- Twenty-four entirely successful seasons as a landlord. Retired city official and nature-magazine writer. And Elaine, a gardening wife. We recently moved from McAllen, the next town over. We have pre-migratory nocturnal roost experience too. Our community is located in the Rio Grande Valley on the Texas-Mexico border. It is located along the North American Central Flyway. Phone us for advice, observations.
- Southgate 55 100 W Moore Rd
Pharr, TX 78504
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- 956-702-0093
- Posted: October 2005
John Barrow
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Nueces County
- I host 85-100 pairs of martins about equally divided between Corpus Christi and Port O'Connor, Texas. I have helped establish at least five 20+ pair colonies in Port O'Connor, and am available to help others along the south Texas coast. I hold a federal permit to band purple martins. My housing presently (2005) consists of a lone star goliads (3) with add a rack assemblies each holding 8 natural gourds, and lone star gourd racks (3) each with 16 natural gourds. I am familiar with all types of housing and with attracting martins and colony management. I have housed martins for about 15 years and enjoy sharing these wonderful gifts with others.
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- Posted: July 2005
Kelly Rushing
- Denton, TX
- Denton County
- 2005 is my 3rd year as an active landlord. I have a suburban backyard colony. In 2005 I am hosting 28 pair. Hopefully to fledge apx.... 105 babies at this point. I have 3 different poles set up and have tried a variety of housing. I emergency feed the Martins during boughts of extended bad weather. I also offer eggs and shells on a feeding station. If I can offer any help, please don't hesitate to ask any question. I'll do my best to help or to help you find out what you need.
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- Posted: June 2005
Jim McIntosh
- Farmers Branch, TX
- Dallas County
- 2005: seventh year as a Purple Martin landlord in a suburban setting. Colony consists of 24 SuperGourds on 2 EGR poles and a 12-compartment PMC2000 martin condo (wood 3-tier house). Vice-president of Purple Martin Landlords of North Texas. Present several Purple Martin programs to a variety of groups each year. Will be happy to travel to your site, first to verify its suitability for martin housing, and then to help set up housing (if necessary) and teach principles of proper management of a Purple Martin colony.
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- 972-247-8810
- Posted: March 2005
Derek Caple
- Plano, TX
- Collin County
- My 6th year, last year had 16 successful nests in 30 compartments offered, pretty typical occupancy. I started with trio houses, bought Supergourds and Heritage metal house since. Have tried feeding, trapping sparrows and starlings, PM dawn song, with both successes and failures, all of them very memorable. Happy to visit, advise. It's a fun hobby, except for the time I have spent correcting my mistakes, which I would hope to help others avoid.
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- Posted: March 2005
Michael Jennings
- Converse, TX
- Bexar County
- Active colony of 48 martin homes. Never have enough room for them all. If you would like information, please put Purple Martin in the subject line. Experienced in rescue and return. More than willing to help if I can.
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- Posted: December 2004
LARRY COLWELL
- Friendswood, TX
- Galveston County
- I have probably raised about 300 fledglings over the last 10 years. I have 3 houses in my back yard. Last year we had about 17 nesting pairs with 54 fledglings. I trap sparrows and do weekly inspections with records of each nesting pair. Willing to help others to get their colony going. Currently have 11 PMs at my site as of 3/10/04. I expect about breeding pairs this year.
- 1207 Wilderness Pines Dr
Friendswood, TX
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- 281-996-1270
SANFORD REED
- Boerne, TX
- Kendall County
- I have helped start new colonies in the Cedar Creek Lake area (Mabank-Canton area of east Texas), Weatherford, San Antonio, and Comfort. I have been a Purple Martin enthusiast for over 50 years and look forward to them arriving each year. The Boerne area has several active colonies, and hopefully there will be many more.
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BARBARA G. VINSON
- Buda, TX
- Hays County
- I have been the landlord for an active colony for over ten years. I have a modified Trio Castle and four gourds.
- 1540 South Turnersville Road
Buda, TX
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PAUL MURREY
- Kaufman, TX
- Kaufman County
- This year will be my third year at this address. I am having bad starling problem. It probably is too late this year but I plan on trying to help the situation next year by buying new houses, doors and altering the four houses I have now.
- 8776 FM 2860
Kaufman, TX
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- 972-932-3882
SUSANNE HARM
- Austin, TX
- Travis County
- I had a great mentor via this site (thanks Renee) when I first started trying to attract these beautiful birds. Now, after almost 3 years, I feel like I have learned enough to help others. Currently, my backyard has a full-occupancy, converted Trio, two SuperGourds and a new Lonestar Goliad house. We have 11 breeding adult pairs and so far (6/1/03) there are 31 healthy hatchlings plus 10 more eggs in the nests. Anytime I can help others enjoy purple martins, I jump at the chance to give back.
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- 512-912-7006
MIKE REEVES
- Euless, TX
- Glad to help anyone in the area interested in purple martins.
- 200 Landover Drive
Euless, TX
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- 817-685-6830
Engle W. Scott
- Fort Worth, TX
- Tarrant County
- Successful landlord for about 10 years. Fledged 47 young last year. Willing to help/advise any new or trying to be landlords in NW Fort Worth area.
- 5709 Secco Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76179
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- 817-237-5672
- Posted: March 2006
JEFF HITCHINGS
- Double Oak, TX
- Denton County
- Landlord for 9 years and also take care of the houses at Rheudasil Park, for the City of Flower Mound. I am willing to help in the Lewisville, Flower Mound, and Double Oak area.
- 145 N. Woodland Trail
Double Oak, TX
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- 972-342-1410
LYNN MARK PETERS
- Houston, TX
- Harris County
- Put my first house up in 31 years. I have three PM looking it over and I believe they are getting ready to stay and set up house keeping. They stayed around til sundown.
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MARVIN & ELIZABETH RHEA
- Granbury, TX
- Hood County
- We had martins in our Trio House last year (2002) for the first time. We finally found placement away from trees. We have a lot of trees. Have not seen any martins as of today Feb. 28, 2003 Would be interested to talk to others in this area, that are landlords.
- 5711 Hondo Dr.
Granbury, TX
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- 817-326-5139
GEORGE KING JR.
- San Antonio, TX
- Will mentor in the Del Rio, Uvalde, and Brackettville areas.
- 4522 Lyceum Dr.
San Antonio, TX
- 210-614-5167
KATHY MOORE
- Spring, TX
- (Houston area) I am a first year landlord in the Houston, TX area (actually in Spring, in the northwest part of Harris County). I have had 5 nesting pairs this year and 8 successful fledglings so far (2 nestlings still left). I would like to find someone with experience managing a successful colony in this area.
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- Posted: July 2000
RICK COUSINS
STEVE SMITH
- College Station, TX
- I have 25 plus years experience with these magnificent birds. Last year, after two years of trying to start a colony at my residence, I successfully housed 7 nesting pair that fledged 30 babies. I would be more than happy to try and assist you by answering any questions you might have about getting starting in this hobby.
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DANA HARPER
LINDA DAVIS
- Cleburne, TX
- (15 miles SW of Fort Worth) This last year (2000) I had 14 nesting pair of martins and 48 fledglings. This is up from 6 total martins the previous year. I have a 14 compartment aluminum house and 20 natural gourds and 20 SuperGourds. I am willing to help anyone in the Dallas/Fr Worth area and general vicinity that feels I could help them.
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- Posted: July 2000
WALTER BAUER
- San Antonio, TX
- I have already been able to provide my expertise with being a good martin landlord with some in our area, but would love to be able to do this more often. I am located on the north side of San Antonio off of Hwy 281. We moved here last July. We lived in Sugar Land it took two years to get four pair. Here in San Antonio, we had four pairs this first year. We had 24 eggs and 20 young.
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- Posted: July 2000
JOE RAMSEY
- Graham, TX
- (100 miles northwest of Ft. Worth, TX) I have successfully had martins the last four years. I have had martin running out of my ears the last two years. I work for and feed eastern bluebirds, hummers and every other bird who comes my way. Even sparrows and starlings, ( but not intentionally), and I do send them on their way as soon as possible. I will help anyone or anyway that I can.
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MICHAEL E RYER
- Corsicana, TX
- (60 miles south of Dallas) I would love to be a part of the mentoring program. I've had Purple Martins for 3 seasons.
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RENEE GOERTZ
- Red Rock, TX
- 30 miles SE of Austin. I have been a martin landlord for 5 years and would love to share my experiences and help anyone near the Austin area.
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HAROLD W LOY
- Ft Worth, TX
- haroldloy@cs.com
- Originally from San Antonio where it seemed all you had to do was put up some kind of house and the martins showed up. Not that way where I live now! It took me three years but last year (1999) had 15 eggs, 14 chicks, and 14 fledglings. Hope to do even better this year. If you think I could help you get started, feel free to email me. I'd be glad to help! (North Central Texas)
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JIM RAY
- Canyon, TX
- I manage a colony of martins at the Palo Duro Retirement Village in Canyon, Texas. I've yet to attract that first pair in my own backyard (also Canyon), so I know how it feels to want them so bad. I have a banding program underway throughout the Panhandle and am always looking for opportunities to expand this effort, and get more people interested in martins. Mentor for the Texas Panhandle
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JACE STANSBURY
- Nederland, TX
- 90 miles east of Houston- between Beaumont and Port Arthur
- 2407 Ave D
Nederland, TX 77627
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PEGGY RILEY
- Tolar, TX
- I have been a PM landlord for 4 years. I would be glad to share what I have learned from others and from my own mistakes!
- 9700 Nix Rd.
Tolar, TX
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- 254-835-4072
CATHERINE ANTON
- Houston, TX
- 15 years as an urban landlord, under very difficult conditions. 40 nesting units, all aluminum, all Wade. 12 to 18 pairs usually. Have won against all starlings, not all sparrows, but most with our traps. Only swooping place is near street. Despite this, colony growing. I supply mud, pine needles, egg shells, and lots of work and prayer. Will help all I can.
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DAVE S.
MICHAEL McELROY
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Debbie Babb
- Lafayette, LA
- Lafayette County
- We\'ve been trying to get martins to occupy our birdhouse but so far no success. We\'ve been clearing out the nesting material of the other birds but have seen no sign of any martins.
- 126 Faculty Dr
Lafayette, LA 70506
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- 337-981-8260
- Visit this mentee's website
- Posted: April 2010
Dennis and Melanie Wade
- Sulphur Springs, TX
- Hopkins County
- I am about to put up a Martin house and would like to know best location and how high.
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- Posted: July 2009
Richard Woodfin
- Spring Branch, TX
- Comal County
- Have new martin house, had first visitors today, april 15. Had entry blocked so i opened entry and birds have not came back, had male and female visitor. Should i block entrance again, if so when? did i scare them off and will they be back? Thanks Richard
- 260 Steeplebrook
Spring Branch, TX 78070
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- 210 852 1662
- Posted: April 2009
Shel
Dan Bauer
- Rockwall, TX
- Rockwall County
- We have one 14 room house. Last year was our 1st, but the house was taken over by wrens. So, this year we cleaned the house real good and put it back up, but now wonder how to keep the wrens out so the martins can get in.
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- Posted: March 2009
holly morgan
- Canyon Lake, TX
- Comal County
- Our house is a wooden structure on a metal pole. It is not painted and we have had it up about 1 month
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- Posted: March 2009
Deborah Geistweidt
- Doss, TX
- Mason County
- February 15, 2009. Our martins have just arrived at 11 am. We cleaned their house yesterday and heard and saw two scouts today. We are in Central Texas, 100 miles west of Austin. We have had our martin house for about 5 years.
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- Posted: February 2009
Jimmy
- Ennis, TX
- Ellis County
- Need help getting started. Have had housing up 2 years with no results.
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- Posted: February 2009
Jennifer Langford
- Edmond, OK
- Oklahoma County
- Just moved and have 2 acres. I think we have a great spot that is fairly open and next to a vegetable garden site. We do have quite a few trees in the yard, but not extremely close to this area. Just bought a house yesterday at the home and gardent show. Really excited about the prospect of getting Martins started at my home! Have wanted to do this for years, but did not have the location for it previously. Would welcome any tips on this, especially when to open the house, i.e. when do the younger Martins usually hit this area.
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- Posted: January 2009
Barbara Wooten-Del Toro
- Natalia, TX
- Medina County
- This will be my 1st year as a landlord. I have a 12 room Heath with owl gaurd and baffle. Do I need to put porch rails and divders on? Where can I get them? I am in the process of putting in the starling resistant doors. I am in the country and have what I think is an ideal location and plenty of flying bugs. Also need help with - roosts,gords(needed?) and supplimental food (ie. eggshells and grubs?) Thanks to all, Barbara
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- Posted: January 2009
Jeff Nyberg
- Helotes, TX
- Bexar County
- The family and I are interested in purple martin possibilities. We've already begun actively birdwatching and have several varieties of common birds logged. We live in Helotes, just NW of San Antonio, off Bandera Road. Thanks!
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- Posted: July 2008
Bill Wright
- Mesquite, TX
- USA County
- Just put up 16 apt house (5/18/08). No birds yet. Probably too close to house and trees, but my lot is small.
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- Posted: May 2008
Smith Elementary School
- Richmond, TX
- Fort Bend County County
- We put up our first purple martin house March 2007. We had a minimum of 10 purple martins daily. The only eggs that I found were eggs pecked open on the ground. This year we have 2 new and improved purple martin houses (one of them is a T-14). I would love the students to experience the growth of a new generation. This year all of the rooms open for nest removal of starlings and sparrows. Daryle
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- Posted: March 2008
David Patterson
- Conroe, TX
- Montgomery County
- We put our 12-unit house up in June 2006 and had a few visits but no permanent occupants. This season we had one nesting pair of apparent sub-adults that laid two eggs. Both have hatched and as of today, June 12, 2007 they appear ready to fledge at any moment. We have had quite a few bothersome sparrows and over the past several weeks. A sharp shinned hawk has been staying nearby for the past few days. Over the past few days I\'ve counted as many as 8 adult martins that seem to be assisting the new parents and chasing off the hawk. Feel free to comment if you have any suggestions.
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- Posted: June 2007
Joleen Cornelius
- Carrollton, TX
- Dallas County
- We have had a Martin house up for two years and have not been able to attract Martins. We had a Coats house up and have since replaced it this year with a Castle trio house with round and crescent holes. We have also put up some gourds with no success. We have a power easement behind our house and have placed the house and gourds in the easement about 5 feet from our fence. We have a gazabo in our backyard and a tree on the other side of the gazabo, the Martins are across the easement in a house and we see them flying all the time. I play the Dawn song every morning starting at 4 AM, still no luck. I would love a Mentor to call me or come to my house to see what I am doing wrong. We trap the sparrows and keep their nest cleaned out all the time. Thanks for any help,I am really getting fustrated and don\'t know what else to do. Is there any hope of still attracting the Martins this year?
- 2104 Buckskin Circle
Carrollton, TX 75006
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- Posted: April 2007
Wayne and Heather Humphries
- Houston, TX
- Harris County
- This is our first full year to have a house up. We erected an aluminum \"Walmart special\" last year mid-summer without success. This year we have martins taking up residence! But also a sparrow. I guess we\'ll have to kick it out. :( My mother lives nearby and also has a martin house in her yard. She has had one there for years, but has never had anything other than sparrows take up residence. Perhaps, with advice and guidance, we can change that for her.
We also have many butterfly and hummingbird attracting plants in our yard. Our yard is certified as a \"Monarch Waystation\" with the University of Kansas Monarch Watch program. I hope our martins don\'t cause too much competition for our butterflies. I\'m hoping the martins will eat the wasps that prey mercilessly on the monarch catepillars and at least allow the catepillars a fighting chance to morph into butterflies. Does anyone know how martins and hummingbirds get along?
Transforming our typical suburban yard into a wildlife hapitat has been such a joy. We never dreamed a little thoughtful landscaping could be so valuable and enriching to the \"circle of life.\"
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- Posted: April 2007
Patty
- Mountain Home, TX
- Real County
- This is our first time trying for Purple Martins. We put up a martin barn on telescoping pole to 15\'. We put the barn up in Feb. 2007. As of yet, we have not seen anything. Please help us to do the right thing so we can start seeing Purple Martins. Thank you
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- Posted: March 2007
Mark and Kim Oerkfitz
- Kendalia, TX
- Kendall County
- We setup our Purple Martin House last year I think in October 06. But I think we were too late. We used the little doors and closed it up for the winter but, it looks like I should already have the doors off and open for business. Any guidance on how to proceed would be great.
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- Posted: February 2007
Les Rabke
- Cuero, TX
- DeWitt County
- As a youngster in the 1960\'s my best friend\'s dad had two martin houses and it was a good way to teach us about birds and nature. Now as a grandparent, I hope to pass along that interest to my grandchildren. I have been interested in getting started for several years, and now I\'m determined to do it. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
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- Posted: January 2007
RONNIE CLARK
- DENTON, TX
- DENTON County
- I AM BUILDING A HOUSE AND POLE TO PUT UP HOPEFULLY BY FEB 15 2007. ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE GOTTEN FROM THIS SITE IS TO BUILD 7 1/2 X 12\" APARTMENTS WITH 5 1/2\" INDIVIDUAL PORCHES. I PLAN TO PUT IT 14 OR 15\' UP WITH A WINCH TO RAISE AND LOWER IT AND PROVIDE SOME PERCHES FOR THEM. MY YARD IS SMALL AND I COULD USE SOME ADVISE ON LOCATION. AND DO I NEED A FEW GOURDS TO ATTRACT PM \'S THE 1ST YR?
- 1408 MONTEVIDEO CT
DENTON, TX 76210
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- 9032440733
- Posted: January 2007
Tom Henderson
- Elgin, TX
- Bastrop County
- Just got my pole and gourds for Christmas. How long do I have before I can install them for 2007?
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- Posted: December 2006
Pink Elementary School- Debbie Crawford
- Richmond, TX
- Fort Bend County
- The Gifted/Talented students of Pink Elementary began a research project on man & animal sharing a habitat accompanied by the setting up of an inexpensive martin house in front of the school. Fortunately, we attracted three SY pairs with 12 out of 13 eggs hatching & fledging successfully. Only regret, they nested so late that everything exciting happened in the summer and none of the children could be present to observe the growth of the birds. I took pictures to share with them at the beginning of the current school year in a powerpoint and they had photos available to make a photojournal. As we prepare for a new year, we would like some assistance in continuing the growth of our colony at this site. What a great learning experience for the students participate in such an exciting research/interactive study.
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- Posted: November 2006
Tom & Margie Funkhouser
- Georgetown, TX
- Williamson County
- We just put up our Martin House this season. We've had to take it down once because the sparrows started nesting in it. We waited a couple of weeks and put it back up. There are two pairs of Martins nesting in it now. The house we put up was a 12 room house and they are on one side and some sparrows have nested in the other. Should we take the house down and clean out the sparrow side of it or just leave it alone?
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- Posted: April 2006
Carrie Guerrero
- Broken Arrow, OK
- Wagnor County
- This is our first year as land lords. We have been trying to attract Martins for about 4 weeks now. We have only had Sparrows. We lowered the houses, took out the beginings of Sparrow nests, then raise the houses again. This appeared to work as we got our first two pairs of Martins just the day after that. But then Sparrows came to the houses again, and the Martins seem to have left. We have been playing the "Dawn Song" each morning, and we have Purple Martin decoys on the houses. We can see the Martins hunting in our area, as neighbors have established coloneys. But I get the impression that they just put their houses up, and got birds. They got lucky and don't really watch to see what's living in the houses they put up. We on the other hand want Martins, and we want to be good landlords. We have housing for 48 pairs of birds right now...and all appartments are empty. What are we doing wrong?
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- Posted: April 2006
Phillip Lawrence
- Spring Branch, TX
- Comal County
- I am a Purple Martin "newbee". A newspaper article ignited my interest & I built a house and erected it in early March 2006. So far no takers, but I guess arrivals can happen in April. I would appreciate any info or advice from an interested mentor. I live near Canyon Lake N. of San Antonio.
Thanks, Phillip
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- Posted: March 2006
Gene & Dale Wright
Carlton Colmenares
- Waller, TX
- Waller County
- I seek assistance in the construction and erection of suitable housing, then the attraction of these marvelous birds. The site is a 278 acre farm, mostly certified organic, in central Waller County. This site has open pastures, open water, some trees, a garden, livestock (FLIES!) and nursery areas. This is just west of Houston by about an hour. If anyone is interested and can lend me some advice in this venture, please contact me.
- 14182 Cochran Road
Waller, TX 77484
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- 979-921-0000
- Posted: August 2005
Donna Bailey
- Eastland, TX
- Eastland County
- I joined PMCA this past week, and just recieved some back dated issues of Purple Martin Update. I'm anxious to get started but trying to gather all my facts before I purchase a house that might not be suitable. I realize it may be too late for this season. I have seen martin houses and martins in town, so I know they are in my area. Thanks for any advice you can give.
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- Posted: July 2005
ALAN COLLINS
- CANYON, TX
- USA County
- I enjoyed having martins nested in the martin house when I lived in Denton, Tx I moved to Amarillo/Canyon Tx. Put up the martin house up in the spring of 2001 no Martins then the starling moved in so I put excluder doors to stop the starlings from nesting.
I saw a martin land on the house the 6-1-2005 I went nuts with joy this is a good day!!! There's one active martins colony in this town and two more colonies fifteen miles away they both have the Trio square martin house I have the castle 24 room Should I put up the same kind? And how far apart should they be?
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- Posted: June 2005
Audrey Cusano
- Benbrook, TX
- Tarrant County
- I am interested in a purple martin mentor. We live in Benbrook, and put up a martin house last year. Late May, a scout did come, but sparrows chased it off. This year it looks like we have a nesting pair (5 days now), but we are still fighting the sparrows. We have put out a sparrow trap. The martins are still bringing nesting material to the house. I am on pins and needles hoping they will stay. Any advice you could give would be appreciated!
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- Posted: May 2005
Neva Gillum
- Montgomery, TX
- Montgomery County
- We have a 12-compartment plastic PM house with telescoping pole. PMs have been on the housing, but we see no sign of nesting yet (as of May 11, 2005). I have had to lower the house to run off sparrows and pull out their beginnings of a nest. Any help in encouraging the PMs to nest in the housing is appreciated. Also, are the gourds better than the compartmental housing (for next year)?
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- Posted: May 2005
Cathie Coudert
- Magnolia, TX
- Montgomery County
- My husband and I put up houses in Feb. and played the "Dawn Song" in March and April. We think we have a pair nesting - they just arrived May 10. How can help our martins? We'd appreciate any landlord hints for this area.
- 214 Fantail
Magnolia, TX 77355
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- Posted: May 2005
Jeff Moses
Roy Stark
- Kirbyville, TX
- Newton County
- I am located in southeast Texas 2 miles east of Kirbyville, in Newton county. I have put up a lonestar gourd system with 16 supergourds. I also have a rather wide and sturdy plastic martin house with 8 nesting holes. I am playing the dawn song religiously and have decoys up. Any help or inspiration will be appreciated. This is the first year that my wife and I have attempted to start a martin colony with the proper equipment.
- Rt.6 box 563042
Kirbyville, TX 75956
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- 409-423-2132
- Posted: March 2005
Don Stiver
- Plano, TX
- Collin County
- Have House and guords ready to put up. My first try, would like to do it right but have very little knowledge and no experience in this endeavor. Any help or guidance will be greatly appreciated.
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- 972-527-3997
- Posted: March 2005
Larry Skinner
- Grand Prairie, TX
- Dallas County
- I put up my first martin house last year (MSS-12 with two enlarged apartments and four standard ones). I feel very fortunate to have had three nesting pairs and fifteen fledglings my first year. Two of the pairs were ASY's and the third was SA. My wife and I enjoyed watching these birds immensely and I enjoyed taking care of them. I have purchased two Coates Watersedge houses (twelve apartments), four SREH Supergourds and a PMCA multi-purpose pole which I plan to install next week. I would really appreciate the advice of a mentor to help avoid any mistakes I can.
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- Posted: March 2005
Don & Chris Jones
- Helotes, TX
- Bexar County
- We are brand new to the Purple Martin community and would like to do this right.
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- Posted: February 2005
Pat Ottmer
- Sachse, TX
- Dallas County
- Interested in starting a colony. I have one house that I plan on starting with this year. Had a nest built last year on my back porch made of mud. It looked like purple martins. Do purple martins still do this or did I have a different bird species. Would like help in recognizing martins and managing them as well. Thanks.
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- Posted: February 2005
Tammi Seidel
- New Braunfels, TX
- USA County
- I just purchased a Purple Martin House and have a Mom and Sister who did too. We all live in the same neighborhood. I need some assistance with putting it up and getting a colony started the "correct" way. I have other birds in the yard and want to be able to get my colony started. I am hoping to get the house up this weekend because I understand the scouts are already in my area. Please help if you can. I wan to be successful and to know more.
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- 830-708-5885
- Posted: February 2005
Teresa Irvine
- San Antonio, TX
- Bexar County
- Brand new and no experience. Is it too late in the season for San Antonio to start?
- 2303 SE Military Drive
San Antonio, TX 78223
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- Posted: February 2005
CAROL F
- Dike, TX
- Hopkins County
- This is my second year to have a house. I currently have 4 pair building nests. There are also three sparrows nesting. I tear out the sparrows nests every day or two but they continue to build. Can I block the holes the sparrows are using without them disturbing the martins? Any help with sparrow control will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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MORRIS
CHRISTINE CUDE
- Weatherford, TX
- Parker County
- I just bought a Trio Castle Martin House today and want to make sure I do everything right!
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MARY POAG
- Seabrook, TX
- Harris County
- I just put up my 1st PM house the last week of February, as there are many active colonies in my neighborhood already. I have played my PM dawnsong every morning and evening for two weeks. So far, the only birds that have spent much time are two starlings, so I put replaced the entrances with starling-resistant holes today. I live on a lake, and the martins are everywhere! Other landlords' houses seem abandoned - new owners- sparrows and starlings invading and nothing being done about it. I would love to attract these displaced martins to my well-tended house. Please help.
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CHUCK CHAMBERS
- Arlington, TX
- Tarrant County
- First year landlord with one active pair. Looking for a mentor in the south Arlington/Mansfield area.
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LILLY TAYLOR
KIM MALLOY
- N. Richland Hills, TX
- First season up we have about 10 martins that hunt every day around our house. I can not find where they are nesting been through the neaborhood several times. I beleave we had a female visitor for two days in a row and has not been back since? Does this mean next year we may have our colony and should we plan more houseing already? Now we have a 12-holed wooden house and two gourds. Any suggestions?
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- 817-992-2066
DEE PREBYS
- Lake Jackson, TX
- Brazoria County
- My husband, daughter and I have recently purchased a Martin house and have had some Martins show an interest, however, we are having a terrible time with sparrows. We keep lowering and cleaning our house,and have even placed other houses around our yard in the hopes of attracting the sparrow over to them instead. What can we do to assure success without harming the sparrows? Is it to late to attract nesting Martins this year? We would appreciate any help. Thank you.
- 718 Walnut Street
Lake Jackson, TX
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DEBBIE NEWNAM
- League City, TX
- Galveston County
- I just received my first 12-unit house for our anniversary on 4/16. We installed it on 4/20. Today 4/30 I am seeing a lot of activity around the house, but I am not sure if I have Martins. How do I know if these birds are Martins?
- 118 Chariss Glen
League City, TX
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- 281-334-1578
STEVE SMITH
- Trophy Club, TX
- Denton County
- This is our first year to have a Martin house, and within two hours of putting the house up (on April 6th, 2003) we had Martins on the house looking it over! I put up a Trio Grandpa, with the 6-room modification, and I am using the PMCA crescent starling-resistant doors. Today, April 29th, we have at least five pairs competing for space in our house. My biggest concern is the sparrows. I have put down two females, and a male, but one male still hangs around. He has not yet started to try to build in the house, but our house is his hangout and the Martins have to chase him off whenever they come back to the house. Since he is not going into the house to build a nest, I have not tried to catch him, using the ?sparrow door? I used to trap the others. He may be looking for, or waiting for his mate that has already ?gone ahead?. I don't know if I need to buy a trap to get rid of him, or just let the Martins eventually run him off. I would appreciate any help that anyone has, as this is our first colony, and we are motivated to be good landlords. I don't know what to look for in nest checks, when to do them, if I should be trying to feed the Martins, etc. Thank you! SDS
- 305 Lakewood Drive
Trophy Club, TX
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- 817-430-6282
BRUCE HAMMOND
- Smithville, TX
- Bastrop County
- I put up my first PM house in Smithville, TX (about 40 miles E of Austin) in late Feb. I have 3-4 PMs circling now and one is perching on the house at times. I would like some help to become successful at sustaining and growing my colony. Thanks for any advice and tips.
- 207 Third Ave.
Smithville, TX
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- 512-447-9604
LAURA HOLCOMB
- Pearlland, TX
- Brazoria County
- I have an active colony in it's 3rd year with 6 pair. However, the size of the colony is not growing the way I was hoping. I am interested in talking to a mentor to learn more about tracking the colony, counting and monitoring nestlings, and getting tips on how to attract more!
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DOT HOLCOMB
- DeBerry, TX
- Panola County
- I am replacing housing that has weathered (last storm actually tore one house down). We just put the replacement housing up yesterday, and the sparrows are thrilled. The Martins are still staying in one of the houses that wasn't totally destroyed. If we fid a way up there to repair what they want to stay in, will it upset them? How do we discourage the sparrows? There seems to be many of them. We really don't know much. What book do you recommend? Thank you.
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JAY EVANS
- McKinney, TX
- Collin County
- I have not even seen one around!
- 3514 N Custer Rd.
McKinney, TX
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- 972-562-3467
JULIE MATTOX
- Yantis, TX
- Wood County
- I need help and advice for my colony. 2003 will be my fourth year. I have a problem with sparrows and am trying to get them under control. I probably need some positive reinforcement and advice on how I can improve the site and increase the martins.
- 126 West Oak
Yantis, TX
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- 903-383-7210
DON LANIER
APRIL HAMES
LEAH SCHULZE
- Edinburg, TX
- Hi! My name is Leah Schulze and I just purchased a martin house for my dad. We are lost! We would like someone to help us get started. I know I still have some time before they begin migrating. Please help!
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- Posted: June 2000
OLIVER DAVIS
- Arlington, TX
- Just put my martin house up in January of this year. Today, 26 April, 2000, noticed Martins checking out the house and resting on it. Had sparrow nest in lower chamber, but didn't seem to bother the Martins. Did clean out the sparrow nest and the Martins returned right away. I video taped them on and around the house. Very exciting for a first timer. But, I really do not know very much about what I need to do.
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DOYLE JOHNSON
- Austin, TX
- I purchased an aluminum house last year in August when I moved into my new home on Fitzhugh Road. I'm looking for someone in the Austin/Dripping Springs area who can help me with the attraction and care of these birds, I have a pair now building a nest, though the male appears immature as he has a partial gray breast.
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ROD YOUNG
- Richmond, TX
- We had one FY pair last year with no returnees thus far. We added another house and are looking for our first birds of the season. We had several cluster on the houses 10 days ago. None returned. Any ideas?
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BOB OWENS
- Bryan, TX
- We erected our PM house last summer, and are looking to attract some birds this year. As I read the information, we should raise our house about 30 days from February 2, to attract new PM. We purchased a plastic house with 12 apartments, and added two gourds hanging from the porches, on each side, facing outward.
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DUANE SMITH
HEATHER SKEEN
- Anahuac, TX
- We put up our first martin house this weekend (2/01). The very next day there was a flock of sparrows checking it out! Help! I think I see Purple Martins in my yard, but am having a hard time identifying them.
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JAMES WILSON
- Silsbe, TX
- Just starting here in south east Texas. Have a house up in a field and have seen birds looking at it but not sure if they are Purple Martins.
- 14044 FM 2937
Silsbe, TX
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BILLY ROBERTS
ANA CHULIAN
- Bexar, TX
- I have an active colony and want to know how to assist the martins when the weather is cold, rainy and windy for several days. I don't want them to go without their bug supply and starve. How long can they survive without enough food. What, if anything, can be supplemented during these inclement times?
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RONALD LOVELESS
BECKY SULLIVAN
- Venus, TX
- I have just recently put up a 12 compartment martin house on a telescoping pole as recommended by manufacturer. I HAVE MARTINS! From the reading I have done, it appears that I have both males and females. Some of the males look like they might be older than just subadults, they are very purple. I'm not sure as what I should do to start keeping track and becoming a good landlord.
- 10241 Norrell Rd.
Venus, TX
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- 972-723-3519
BETH TAYLOR
- Kerrville, TX
- This is my second year to have my house up. I had a pair nest last year and raise young last year and now I have some returning.
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LINDA
- Horseshoe Bay, TX
- I have been very excited to see 4 or 5 martins settling in the house. Have had a terrible time with sparrows. Finally bought a trap, but need some help on where to put it, how to dispose of sparrows without killing them. There are 2 martin nests in the house. I have blocked the holes of the others and one of the martin nests has been overtaken by sparrows. I removed the whole thing. The damn things are still there and I don't want them to scare the martins away. Would appreciate and help. Thanks.
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SHIRLEY THOMAS
LINDA GILLESPIE
- Waxahachie, TX
- My husband has been talking about purple martins all year. He has just had hip replacement yesterday and will need a hobby while recuperating. We bought a bird house and put it up about two months ago. Have attracted sparrows, removed their nest, and have seen two martins in and out of bird house. sparrows are back though, do we need to remove their nests again? I have read that if we don't remove the sparrows the martins will leave. Is that right? We really want to attract the martins because Texas has a lot of bugs.................
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- 972-938-0754
CAROL HIX
- Denison, TX
- We placed our house yesterday, and had Martin visitors this morning! Is there any preferred orientation, i.e. north-south, east-west?
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STAN WHITE
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