[birdky] RFI: Purple Martin Housing

From: "Mark & Tommie Gail Bennett" <benn5609@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "BIRDKY" <birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:38:39 -0600
13 February 2008:

There are no sightings or reports in this message.  I am seeking knowledge
on Purple Martin housing, particularly plastic gourds.  

For the past 6-7 years I have successfully/semi-successfully attracted P
Martins to a simple Martin house.  I have had wind issues for 2 consecutive
years resulting in a 2 downed poles and 2 ruined/damaged houses.  This year,
I decided to reduce or eliminate the house and to either add or switch to
plastic gourds.  I have purchased 6 gourds for that purpose, which brings
me, at long last, to my questions.

The gourds have 2 entrances, a half-oval shape and a round hole.  I realize
that the "new" half-oval shaped entrances are supposed to reduce E Starling
use of the gourds.  My directions from the manufacturer say to start with
round holes, then after nesting has begun to switch the plugs and use the
half-oval openings to deter Starlings.  That sounds bogus to me.  It seems
to me that either using the half-ovals is good or bad.  My question is
simple.  Should I start with circle entrances and switch; should I just
start and stay round; should I start and stay half-oval?  Please reply, if
you know or thing that you might know the answer.  I recommend replies to me
rather than the list serve.  I will share the results in a short summary
fashion in about a week.

The other question is this.  The gourds have the option of an inside and
outside "porch".  I can see that they might be nice for watching the adults
outside of the house from time to time, however, they seem otherwise
superfluous.  Does anyone know if these objects do anything useful or if
they should just be omitted?  Again, Please reply, if you know or thing that
you might know the answer.  Again,  I recommend replies to me rather than
the list serve.  I will share the results in a short summary fashion in
about a week.

Mark Bennett
113 Iroquois Circle
Russellville, KY  42276

Logan County, Kentucky
Home:  benn5609@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Work:  Mark.Bennett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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[birdky] RFI: Purple Martin Housing

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