:laughing:
What kind of bird house/nest is this?
- Thread starter Wakey
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TractorGuy
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Birdhouse Gourds
Type of birds attracted depends on placement and size of hole. Most commonly used to attract Purple Martins.
Type of birds attracted depends on placement and size of hole. Most commonly used to attract Purple Martins.
Gem99ultra
Veteran Member
I certainly don't believe the gourds are for Purple Martins. I've built a number of P/M bird houses before, and if built correctly, they're occupied annually. That's the BIG IF. There are specific requirements for the size of hole for P/M's. Too large and they're bird houses are invaded with sparrows, etc. Too small and they can't get in. I think the hole size is 1 5/8". And they prefer their bird house to be elevated. 18' - 20' is preferred.
All of the P/M's I've seen eat mosquitoes. Millions of mosquitoes! I've never seen them eating butterflies, but I'm not saying that they don't. They do however, clean up after themselves. They'll clean out their nest before leaving for the winter. And the next February you'll see their scouts coming to check out the facilities before they go back for the hens. If their nest is dirty from other birds leaving a mess, they'll go elsewhere.
I love the sight of a group of P/M's hovering 3' off the ground, snatching up mosquitoes and other bugs. On the other hand, we also have bats here that totally keep the mosquito population subdued.
As another aside, Purple Martins will run off their bitter enemy, crows. They'll gang up on crows and either kill it, or escort it far from their nest. All-in-all, I love P/M's. They're desirable birds to have around, in my opinion. But I've never seen them nest in gourds.
All of the P/M's I've seen eat mosquitoes. Millions of mosquitoes! I've never seen them eating butterflies, but I'm not saying that they don't. They do however, clean up after themselves. They'll clean out their nest before leaving for the winter. And the next February you'll see their scouts coming to check out the facilities before they go back for the hens. If their nest is dirty from other birds leaving a mess, they'll go elsewhere.
I love the sight of a group of P/M's hovering 3' off the ground, snatching up mosquitoes and other bugs. On the other hand, we also have bats here that totally keep the mosquito population subdued.
As another aside, Purple Martins will run off their bitter enemy, crows. They'll gang up on crows and either kill it, or escort it far from their nest. All-in-all, I love P/M's. They're desirable birds to have around, in my opinion. But I've never seen them nest in gourds.
ruffdog
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I'm wondering if the picture shows gourds being DRIED in the sun and wind???
Kyle_in_Tex
Super Star Member
HA! made me laugh there...wise guy!
Gem99ultra
Veteran Member
Nice sales pitch, i.e.:
"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."
No doubt those are different kinds of Purple Martins than I've seen, but very possible. I'm only talking about MY experience, but that's not all encompassing. And I'm not in the business of selling gourds.
...I'm returning to observation mode...
Stancoll
Bronze Member
Purple martin gourd houses. Need easy access to water (pond,lake,etc). helps keep mosquites in check.
ovrszd
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Most definitely PM nests. I have 19. 7 of which have been used for 6 years now. Best thing about them is other birds won't nest in them.
I am Blessed with many varieties of nesting birds. For observation I enjoy PMs the most. Spectacular vocabulary. Feed on the fly.
Only nesting for PMs East of the Continental Divide is manmade.
I am Blessed with many varieties of nesting birds. For observation I enjoy PMs the most. Spectacular vocabulary. Feed on the fly.
Only nesting for PMs East of the Continental Divide is manmade.
OP
Wakey
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Do you have to clean out the gourds when the season is over?
What height approx are yours hung?