Name:   alahusker - Subject:   Purple Martin Bird House Advice Date:   1/9/2014 5:13:35 PM

We have 3 houses, first placed in 2000, when we finished our lake home. Good colonies every year; my observations.  First house was the best.  Aluminum, 3 level, 18 apartments.  Retractable metal pole.  Excellent results for 13 years.  Second house  retractable metal pole, plastic construction.  Would not recommend it.  Colony appeared not to accept it well and high mortality rate on the few nests that we have had.  Last house is another 18 apt, retractable aluminum house with a lanyard for ease of lowering.  Third season, birds like it and good colony results. A bit pricy; however will replace the plastic one with another.  Couple of other suggestions.  These guys want an unobstructed flight path to the house, mine are on the seawall and location is a big deal, so whatever works.    First scouts will not arrive until end of Feburary, so you have some time.  I lower mine in the fall, clean them and will raise them in mid Feburary. Good luck.  This  former USAF pilot is humbled by their aerobatics.  They are as sociable as your family dog and I look forward to their arrival as much as spring crappie fishing..