From: palmer@chmsr.gatech.edu (Michael T. Palmer)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Purple Martin & pest control info
Date: 13 Apr 92 18:44:03 GMT
Reply-To: palmer@chmsr.gatech.edu (Michael T. Palmer)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology


quezon@oasys.dt.navy.mil wrote:

>I recall reading in a previous message that you posted, the preference that
>your Martins have shown for 6"x12" or 6"x9" compartments.  If I didn't have
>about $200 invested in my aluminum Martin condo and pole set-up, I would
>certainly heed your advice.  I wonder if manufacturers of the common
>aluminum condos are aware of and offer houses with the larger compartments?

I'm not sure if manufacturers are making them the correct size.  What several
people have done, though, is to take out the tin snips and a pop rivet gun and
redo the insides of their aluminum houses.  One guy, who wrote a good article
for the Purple Martin Update, kept track of the differences in martin
occupancy across several houses with both sizes of compartments (6x6 or 6x12)
over about 14 years.  Big difference.  Martins like the larger compartments.



>What kind of pellet gun and scope do you employ, and where did you find
>the scope?  I would like to get one.

I can't remember the exact model, but I think it is a Daisy Model 850 or
some such.  It has a long pump handle (about 24"), and is only pumped *once*.
The receiver is also equipped with a scope rail that accepts low-power scopes
like you'd use on a .22 LR.  I got mine at Service Merchandise (which is like
Best Product or whatever equivalent discount merchandiser you have in your
area).  The air rifle ran about $65, and the scope was about $24.  These are
approximations based on what my wife refers to as a very faulty memory, so
your mileage may vary.

One nice feature of the air rifle is that the pellets (it does NOT use BBs)
are stored in a five-round rubber "magazine" which mechanically advances to
the next round each time the bolt is (manually) cycled.  You don't have to
fumble with each individual pellet while trying to get off a few rounds in
quick succession.

If you can afford it, you may want to go for even higher quality.  There are
several match grade air rifles offered by German companies, but they start
at around $150.


>(Ethel and Fred), left shortly thereafter.  I have had many Martins
>investigate the house over a period of several days, but no takers since Ethel
>and Fred.  I saw the first Martin of the season in my neighborhood on Sunday
>(4/12).  Maybe this year . . .

Have faith.  The SY (second year) males and females return to this area up to
4-5 weeks after the ASY (after second year, or full adult) ones do.  And since
adults return to where they bred LAST year, new birds at your colony may not
arrive until mid-may.  If you do get some and they breed, they'll be back
earlier next year.

Also, the placement of your house may have something to do with the martins
apparent disinterest.  If you didn't catch my posting of the Top 10 Reasons
People Fail to Attract Purple Martins (by the PMCA), let me know and I'll
send it to you.


>Yes, I am interested in more info.  I didn't save your previous posting of
>Purple Martin propoganda from the Purple Martin Conservation Association.
>Maybe I should join up to get the newsletter.

I heartily recommend that you do.  The articles and letters from other martin
landlords are an invaluable source of information.  Here's the info:

--------------------

"The Purple Martin Conservation Association is an international non-profit
organization dedicated to the conservation of the Purple Martin (Progne subis)
through scientific research, state-of-the-art wildlife management techniques,
and public education.  It is supported solely by membership contributions and
product sales."

Founding Editor:  James R. Hill, III
Editorial Advisor:  Roger Tory Peterson
Scientific Advisory Board:  etc., etc.

"The Purple Martin Update is published four times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall,
and Winter) and is sent free to members of the PMCA.  Annual membership is
$16 for individuals and $20 for families.  We welcome editorial, photographic,
scientific, and artistic contributions.  We especially welcome letters from
martin landlords sharing their martin experiences."

Purple Martin Conservation Association
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA  16444  (USA)
Phone: (814) 734-4420

"The PMCA is affiliated with the Edinboro University of PA through its
Institute for Research and Community Services, which provides logistical
support."

--------------------

Call or write... they'll be glad to hear from you.
--
Michael T. Palmer, M/S 152, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA  23665
Temporarily a Techie: Center for Human-Machine System Research, Georgia Tech
Voice: 404-894-4318,    FAX: 404-894-2301,    Email: palmer@chmsr.gatech.edu