Instructions for a Purple Martin Bird House

Purple martins are migratory birds, with striking glossy purplish-black feathers. These birds are beneficial near a home or garden, because they eat a large number of insects each day. The presence of purple martins will greatly reduce the number of insects that attack a yard, and they are interesting to observe, as well. Purple martins return year after year to a nesting site, creating a tradition that will last until the housing is destroyed.

Things You'll Need

  • 8-inch-high by 6-inch-diameter dried gourds, 6 to 8
  • 8- to 15-foot wooden or metal pole
  • 8-foot wooden pole
  • 1-inch-thick rope
  • 1/4-inch-thick rope
  • Glue
  • Small jigsaw
  • Drill
  • Pencil
  • 1-inch-wide eyelet screws, 6 to 8
  • Spoon
  • Shovel
  • Quick-set cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a 2 and ¼ -inch-diameter circle 3 to 5 inches from the bottom base of the gourd. Drill a small hole in the center of the circle with a small drill bit. Make the hole large enough to fit the saw blade into.

    • 2

      Saw out the rest of the circle with the jigsaw. Throw the gourd plug away. Use a spoon to scoop out all of the gourd insides, including all seeds and gourd flesh.

    • 3

      Drill several ¼-inch-diameter holes in the bottom and top of the gourd for ventilation and drainage. Repeat the process for all the remaining gourds. Set the gourds aside while you build the roosting pole.

    • 4

      Tie the 8-foot pole horizontally across the top of the 15-foot pole with the 1-inch-thick rope. Make sure to secure the poles together tightly, so that the horizontal bar cannot fall. Glue the rope into place after tying for further security. Allow to dry for two hours.

    • 5

      Screw the eyelet screws into the tops of the gourds. Tie a 6-inch piece of 1/4-inch rope through each eyelet screw and onto the horizontal pole. Place one gourd every 12 inches along the horizontal pole, making sure the gourds cannot strike each other. Tie the rope as close to the pole as possible to prevent the gourds from swinging wildly in the wind.

    • 6

      Dig a 2-foot-deep hole in the spot where you want to place the purple martin roost. Mix some quick-set cement and pour it into the hole, filling the hole halfway with cement. Stick the pole into the cement and allow it to dry for 2 to 3 hours. Fill the rest of the hole back up with dirt and pack tightly.