The same martin housing is used at each of the six ECMPMR colonies. Each site consists of a T-14 Purple Martin House with four Excluder Gourds hanging below and a Super System 24 gourd rack also with Excluder Gourds. All of the housing has modified excluder starling-resistant entrance holes (SREHs).
T-14 Purple Martin House
The T-14 is a classic Amish designed wooden martin house that was designed by Andrew M. Troyer of Conneautville, PA. The house is made nearly entirely out of 3/4" cedar. Each compartment is 6.25" wide x 6" tall x 11.25" long. The large compartment size allows the Purple Martins to lay more eggs and raise more young than standard 6" x 6" x 6" compartments. The house raises and lowers vertically so the nests can be checked without harming the contents. The front of each section opens to gain access to each compartment. Each compartment also has its own nest tray, thereby making nest checks more convenient. The entrance holes are off set which helps eliminate male porch domination and double nests. For more information on the T-14 read, "Seven Advantages of the T-14." Assembled T-14s and T-14 plans are available from the PMCA or from The Birds' Paradise (800-872-0103).
All of the T-14s are mounted on the Aluminum T-14 Pole. The pole is constructed of high tensile 3 square aluminum and stands 16 feet tall. The pole comes equiped with a steel ground stake, ball top, and perching rods. This high-quality pole is manufactured by Creative Universe Enterprises (CUENT) and purchased through The Birds' Paradise.
Super System 24 gourd rack
The Super System 24 gourd rack is a high-quality, heavy-duty gourd rack that can hold 24 gourds. The rack slides up and down a 16 foot, 3" square high tensile aluminum pole. The rack comes with a 57" steel ground stake, ball top, and perching rods. The aluminum hub of the gourd rack features glide buttons that allow the unit to move smoothly up and down with a winch. Gourd mounting arms can also be added to the rack, these mounting arms make adding and removing the gourds effortless! All ECMPMR Super System 24 gourd racks have gourd mounting arms. ECMPMR uses the Fulton K-650 winches to raise and lower the Super System 24 gourd racks.
Excluder Gourds
The Excluder Gourd is a natural looking 10" plastic gourd that is very attractive to Purple Martins. The gourd features a screw-on access cap to allow for nest checks and end of the season clean-outs. The gourds also come with 4" x 3" grooved plastic porches and a ribbed rain canopy to prevent rain from entering the nesting chamber. The Excluder gourd comes with a choice of four entrances. The modified excluder entrance is recommended for easier access by the Purple Martins. For more information on the Excluder Gourd, read the article, "The New Excluder Gourd". The Excluder Gourd is available from the PMCA. |
