Purple Martin Association of the Dakotas

If the system tilts down sideways, you will definitely need to up grade. There are many good companies out there offering set ups. I have a cousin, who is a welder by trade make me custom gourd racks. I would suggest a 2 inch or 3 inch sqaure rack pole cemented into the ground. Don't get the cheap a...

Install owl guards prior to martins arrival. Even if you had martins last year the martins will adjust quickly to the guards. The martins are instinct driven to perpetuate their species and therefore will not be hampered or afraid of the owl guards. they may take a bit longer looking over the new lo...

Prefledged martins receive their water from the bugs the parents bring in for them. There is a lot of juice in bugs, especially the dragonflies. We don't have research date to give an accurate percentage of city versus rural. I can tell you that I have seen our members have housing and very successf...

I'm guessing about 10-20% landlords are very close to water. Misters need to be directed away from contact with the housing. Many landlords that use misters will adapt the misters to focus the spray on perch wires next to houses. Wood, metal houses and gourds can benefit from misters on very hot day...

Iowa purple martin landlords use a variety of housing; a trend toward more gourds are occurring. By water feature, do you mean misters for heat relief? If this is the case, yes, some Iowans use misters for hot days.

Martins seem to be on schedule. We will have to wait a few months before Iowa and the Dakotas. I try to order my cricket and mealworm supplemental feed prior to their arrival. Best of luck to everyone this coming season.

Thanks admin. This is a great tool for the website.

I have heard from members in my organization that they are getting their gourds and houses in tip top shape for the martins arrival in early April in southern Iowa. Getting things such as mite control materials, white pine needles, items for modifications and repairs, checking traction strips, etc a...

Symywa,
You are welcome. I hope the additional feeding trays help. I agree, it is good to have worms on hand for fishing or for trying it out with martins.

Thank you for the web address' Perry. If the MN woking group develops these new on water houses, maybe the research will produce good things for the future. In the years ahead I may be able to be a presenter on martins for your organization. I have presented for the Iowa DNR and several other groups...