Purple Martins

guywhofishes

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We just put up a new 20 ft pole and 6 gourd style house. My grandpa Joe in Underwood (ND) always had martin houses (and boxes of 22 birdshot to feed the sparrows that tried to move in). The growling sound those mosquito eating buggers make will always be with me.

This is our first foray into housing martins. I suppose it's too late for attracting them this year but wanted to get it out there, test the winds, let the birds get used to seeing it etc.

Any other Purple Martin fans out there? If so - what web sites are best? Any hints/tips for newbs?

2015-05-23 18.32.34.jpg
Royce eye view.
 
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Sluggo

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I'm a martin fan. My neighbor (in south Bismarck) put a house up near our property line and the martins return every spring. They seem to hijack a few holes in the house from the sparrows. He's probably had it up for 10+ years so I don't remember much about the original attracting part but I believe he just put it up like you have done, and eventually they found it. There was a house of them a block away before his house went up so that might have helped get them to the new house sooner, not sure. Your house looks cool. By the way, the martins showed up late this year, only about 2 weeks ago I believe so maybe they will find you yet. Good luck.
 

MuskyManiac

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I thought the Martin/Mosquito connection was more false than true. Martins feed high in the sky during the day and are more likely eating larger bugs than the mosquitoes that are dormant in the grasses during the day. They are still fun to watch, however.
 


guywhofishes

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I thought the Martin/Mosquito connection was more false than true. Martins feed high in the sky during the day and are more likely eating larger bugs than the mosquitoes that are dormant in the grasses during the day. They are still fun to watch, however.

You are probably right - just echoing Grandpa Joe's claims.

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Another look.

2015-05-23 18.25.02.jpg
The nearest trees are 30-40 ft away. I hope it's far enough away from them.
 

johnr

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grandma was sorta an exhibitionist.

Same way mrs johnr likes to roll when making her baskets.
 


Davey Crockett

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That's a nice looking setup. I see they even sell Purple martin decoys,and calls. If you don't get any guests a decoy on top might help.
 

svnmag

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I enjoy Guy's celebration of diversity and the new American way of life according to Michelle Obama and the current immigration policy. Just need more tattoos. Nice job Guy!

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Three generals stood in front of a bare flagpole; Air Farce, Army and Marine. They decided to have a contest about the discipline of their respective troops. An airperson strolls across the plaza and her general orders her to climb the flagpole. She assesses the situation then informs the general she'll return for the task with Inspector General officials. The Army and Marine generals have great sport with this. A short time later, a private enters the plaza, ascends to pole with a smart salute then expertly slides down without a ruffle in the beret. The soldier is promoted to E-9 and given the position of Lead Triangle in the Army Band. The Marine began sweating a bit but soon the opportunity came: The private tackled the pole with extraordinary speed then stood balanced atop the truck at full attention. The Marine general then called out: "PARADE REST!"

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Bed Wetter

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grandma was sorta an exhibitionist.

Same way mrs johnr likes to roll when making her baskets.

difficult to get much done around the earth lodge when ma is weaving baskets. "I know I came in here to get something, but it escapes me. How's your basket?"

imagejpeg
 

svnmag

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The music of Brasil is a total mind eff: Freaking crazy surpassing dope and bitch yo: Do you hear it?...The Triangle: I hate being Capt. Obvious even as I respect the concept:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c8O2n1Gfto

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E9 Jams
 
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