When can you put up a purple martin house in Oklahoma?
Don’t put your martin house up until four to six weeks after the first purple martins arrive. Once purple martins have used a martin house, they will return to it year after year. All you have to do is clean it out in fall, protect it from starlings and sparrows, and perhaps repaint it white every few years.
Are there martins in Oklahoma?
Martins are in the group of birds known as Neotropical migrants; they nest in Oklahoma in the summer and spend winters in Central and South America. Adults arrive in Oklahoma mid-February through May with previous year’s young arriving four to six weeks later.
Where is the best place to put a Martin house?
Martin houses should be placed in an open location, at least 40 ft. from trees or buildings. Martins prefer to have clear access to houses from all sides, and like to have perching sites like utility wires nearby, but not attached to the nest box. The height of the housing can be anywhere from 12-20 ft.
How long do purple martins stay in Oklahoma?
about 6 months
This is one way to locate huge premigratory flocks of martins in August. Most martins are gone by September, the stay of many of them in Oklahoma being only about 6 months or so.
What direction should a purple martin house face?
The good news is that purple martins aren’t picky when it comes to direction; north, south, east, and west are all fine, as long as it’s consistent. 6. Wait a few weeks before putting up a new house.
Where do martins migrate to?
Long-distance migrant. Most Purple Martins that breed in eastern North American probably migrate across the Gulf of Mexico. They form huge roosts (of several hundred thousand birds) in late summer along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. Others may fly over Mexico and through Central America.
How do you attract Purple Martins?
How to Attract Purple Martins to Your Garden
- Construct housing in an open area. As wild birds, purple martins are more likely to nest in an area that isn’t too close to human housing.
- Install housing on a telescoping pole.
- Keep predators at bay.
- Deter other bird species.
- Use a little trickery.
How high should martin house be?
The height of an installed purple martin house should be between 12–20 feet. The home should be placed at the upper end of that range if there are trees or bushes nearby, but if the area is very open then shorter homes will be just as suitable.
How do you attract Purple Martins to a new house?
Keep purple martin nests in an open space, between forty and 120 feet away from any nearby residences. Install housing on a telescoping pole. Setting your nesting box up high gives you the best chance of attracting purple martins. Anchor a telescoping pole in concrete and attach the birdhouse on top.
Where do Purple Martins go at night?
They are inside by dark and stay inside until dawn or later. I understand that in the south it is more common for male martins to sleep outside their compartments, usually roosting in trees at night. However, female martins must stay in their compartment to incubate eggs and brood their young.
How do you attract martins to Your House?
As stated previously, martins are almost completely dependent on man-made housing. Whether you’re looking for a conventional apartment style martin house (below), purple martin gourds or a gourd rack system, we’ve got you covered. Critical to success in attracting martins is location, location, location!
What is the best elevation to live in a Martin House?
Recommended elevation is between 12 and 14 feet. Don’t forget that being a good martin landlord requires a good pole and rack system. Make sure the pole and system you get will easily support your housing.
What do you need to know before buying a Martin House?
You need to be able to raise and lower the house easily for nest checks, cleaning out competing sparrow or starling nests or in case of high wind or storms. Go here for our selection of purple martin house poles and martin accessories. Finally, never be afraid to offer additional housing.
Do you need shelter for a Martin?
As for shelter, of course you’ll need housing. As stated previously, martins are almost completely dependent on man-made housing. Whether you’re looking for a conventional apartment style martin house (below), purple martin gourds or a gourd rack system, we’ve got you covered.