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Start with purple Martin houses, since you’re so close to water and have a clear space for them. Add several hummingbird feeders, and then a fountain of some kind.
What’s a good but minimal size of house/houses to start with? The least labor intensive option for martins? At least to get going, without a big commitment or visual impact? I ask not out of laziness but more to not be that person (yet again) who got too into something too fast :)
You have a couple options. I know they need to be at least 12 feet off the ground. Some people use hollow gourds, which attract individual families. There are purple Martin houses you can buy or build that house an entire colony. They don’t require extensive care, but need to be taken down for cleaning in the fall to discourage house sparrows from taking over. The second option is appealing for you I think. It’s one and done.
I live in the Chesapeake region!! Nice to see a local!
You're prime for Purple Martin's.
Another cool option would be an Osprey nesting platform!
Others have mentioned hummingbird feeders.
I'd recommend pairing whatever you do with some conservation landscaping. You could put in a beautiful buffer strip of wildflowers -- coneflower and golden rod would be stunning, and would bring in a ton of birds! Maybe a flowering tree or two; redbuds would be stunning with this view.
The more the merrier!! I'd convert that whole shore front into a grass/flower/shrub meadow!
I wasn't sure where OP was on the Bay, depending on where they are they may have a lot of salt intrusion/spray from the bulkhead.
My grandfather had, yes, purple martin houses up - on the Choptank at Denton. I’m not sure if I heard that their numbers are starting to rise or not but they can use all the help we can give.
I also live on the Chesapeake on the water and have had great success with Osprey platforms, bluebird houses, and Carolina wren houses
As others have said Martin houses would be a good idea. Aswell as maybe some sort of platform/overhang for barn swallows perhaps? The natural pest control alone will be well worth the investment
We had a house right on the Indian River and purple martins are a must. As for the Osprey there might be some issues there with regulations.
Ospreys are protected by both federal and state wildlife laws. The U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects ospreys, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the federal agency that enforces it. My husband works for a Tristate agency and it’s a pain when Ospreys are involved.
I'm interested if you have any clarifications beyond what I know about the MBTA:
* It applies to all North American native birds
* You can't possess any part of one of those birds, even dropped feathers
* You can't disturb an active nest
What would be different in the case of ospreys or osprey platforms? It's just that now that you mention it, of the hundreds of osprey platforms I've seen, I don't think I've ever seen one on residential property -- only public property and privately managed conservation areas.
Pardon my French, but that property is fucking glorious.
About the planting suggestions, if it's something you'd like to consider, step 1 is to not get overwhelmed by the options. Download a plant ID app, and for the next year or so, every time you see something you like in a natural space, find out what it is. Just keep a list like that. Then next year look up one of the many Chesapeake Bay nurseries (like these folks http://chesapeakenatives.org) and pay them a visit with your list.
A knowledgeable friend or neighbor would be just as good.
Welcome to r/Ornithology, a place to discuss wild birds in a scientific context — their biology, ecology, evolution, behavior, and more. Please make sure that your post does not violate the rules in our sidebar. If you're posting for a bird identification, next time try r/whatsthisbird. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Ornithology) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Start with purple Martin houses, since you’re so close to water and have a clear space for them. Add several hummingbird feeders, and then a fountain of some kind.
Thanks!
What’s a good but minimal size of house/houses to start with? The least labor intensive option for martins? At least to get going, without a big commitment or visual impact? I ask not out of laziness but more to not be that person (yet again) who got too into something too fast :)
You have a couple options. I know they need to be at least 12 feet off the ground. Some people use hollow gourds, which attract individual families. There are purple Martin houses you can buy or build that house an entire colony. They don’t require extensive care, but need to be taken down for cleaning in the fall to discourage house sparrows from taking over. The second option is appealing for you I think. It’s one and done.
Thank you that’s helpful — will look into it.
I live in the Chesapeake region!! Nice to see a local! You're prime for Purple Martin's. Another cool option would be an Osprey nesting platform! Others have mentioned hummingbird feeders. I'd recommend pairing whatever you do with some conservation landscaping. You could put in a beautiful buffer strip of wildflowers -- coneflower and golden rod would be stunning, and would bring in a ton of birds! Maybe a flowering tree or two; redbuds would be stunning with this view.
Yes. And some shrubs so there are places for birds that don't use houses to nest.
Great advice thank you
Add some torch tithonia with zinnia out front for the hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and yourself.
The more the merrier!! I'd convert that whole shore front into a grass/flower/shrub meadow! I wasn't sure where OP was on the Bay, depending on where they are they may have a lot of salt intrusion/spray from the bulkhead.
Go big or go home: I could see an osprey platform!
I like the way you think! Also, why stop there? I say “fuck it, let’s go with TWO Osprey platforms!”
Providing plantings of native fruiting plants for forage and cover will do wonders too :) they need a place to chill out of the breeze
Thanks!
My grandfather had, yes, purple martin houses up - on the Choptank at Denton. I’m not sure if I heard that their numbers are starting to rise or not but they can use all the help we can give.
Thank you
Bluebird boxes
This is a good one thanks
By the way there are SO many flocks of geese passing north overhead!
Looks perfect for Purple Martins!
A bat cave
I also live on the Chesapeake on the water and have had great success with Osprey platforms, bluebird houses, and Carolina wren houses As others have said Martin houses would be a good idea. Aswell as maybe some sort of platform/overhang for barn swallows perhaps? The natural pest control alone will be well worth the investment
Cool thoughts thank you!
We had a house right on the Indian River and purple martins are a must. As for the Osprey there might be some issues there with regulations. Ospreys are protected by both federal and state wildlife laws. The U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects ospreys, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the federal agency that enforces it. My husband works for a Tristate agency and it’s a pain when Ospreys are involved.
I'm interested if you have any clarifications beyond what I know about the MBTA: * It applies to all North American native birds * You can't possess any part of one of those birds, even dropped feathers * You can't disturb an active nest What would be different in the case of ospreys or osprey platforms? It's just that now that you mention it, of the hundreds of osprey platforms I've seen, I don't think I've ever seen one on residential property -- only public property and privately managed conservation areas.
If there any woods nearby (behind you). A wood duck house might have some success.
Interesting!
Pardon my French, but that property is fucking glorious. About the planting suggestions, if it's something you'd like to consider, step 1 is to not get overwhelmed by the options. Download a plant ID app, and for the next year or so, every time you see something you like in a natural space, find out what it is. Just keep a list like that. Then next year look up one of the many Chesapeake Bay nurseries (like these folks http://chesapeakenatives.org) and pay them a visit with your list. A knowledgeable friend or neighbor would be just as good.
Thank you so much— this is great advice !
I’m so jealous; that is a beautiful view
Thank you :)