purple martins

[mudwitch]

How many of you maintain martin housing? How long has anyone went opening the houses after they arrive? Are there any sparrow traps that work? I am afraid the shotgun may scare the martins. The scouts usually start arriving this week so I still got some time.This year they may fill all my housing so I don't want to waste any on sparrows.I have read the books, please give any suggestions that YOU have tried. I appreciate any help! Muddy

[CatFan]

Check out this site. http://www.purplemartin.org/

Very good info. They take a fair amount of effort to keep the sparrows away. I've not been able to get them started since we moved to a new place. Haven't even seen scouts this year.

[crappie fisher]

Hey mudwitch i have a pair that has been hanging out here for about a week now.Last year I had 3 pair.I dont anything i just let mother nature take care of the sparrows.I do want to make another martin pole for next year.

[Bluejay]

Clean the sparrow nest out of mine about every other day. Martins get used to it and usually set around area while I do it. Once martins have all the boxes they want I just leave sparrows alone. Usually end up with a couple of sparrows nesting with the martins every year. They learn to get along.

[mudwitch]

I taped the holes shut and day one, I drove the sparrows crazy.I have not seen them since.The scouts have left so the flock may be back by this weekend or next. I guess that i'll open them up the first sign they are back. Thanks you all.