When setting up a Purple Martin house, one of the most important considerations is which direction to face the house. Pointing the house in the optimal direction will encourage Purple Martins to take up residence and maximize their success. In this article, we will look at the key factors to take into account when determining the best direction to face a Purple Martin house.
Face the East or Southeast
The recommended direction to face a Purple Martin house is either due east or southeast. Facing east or southeast takes advantage of the morning sun and warmth. As early risers, Purple Martins like to wake up to the sunrise and the light and heat it provides. An east or southeast direction warms the bird house in the morning, creating an inviting environment for the birds.
A house that faces east or southeast will warm more quickly in the morning sun. It will stay warmer longer into the morning and day as well. This warmth helps attract scouting Purple Martins looking for a suitably warm cavity site. Warmer temperatures help the birds conserve energy and optimize their health and reproductive success.
Benefits of Morning Sun and Warmth
Here are some of the key benefits of an east or southeast facing Purple Martin house:
- Warms the interior cavities of the house in the morning
- Aids egg development and hatching success
- Helps keep babies warm and thriving
- Allows adults to leave on early morning foraging flights
- Conserves energy for adult and young birds
- Promotes faster growth of nestlings
- Can help reduce parasite loads in nests
By taking advantage of the sun’s warming effects, a properly oriented house will be more appealing to nesting pairs and foster breeding success. The morning sunshine and heat gives Purple Martins an advantage in raising chicks.
Avoid Facing West or Southwest
Conversely, west or southwest facing houses should be avoided. Houses facing these directions will get extremely hot in the afternoon sun. Excessive heat can make the nesting cavities unsafe for eggs and nestlings.
If the sun bakes the bird house in the afternoon, it essentially becomes unusable habitat. Adult Purple Martins struggle to cool their nests and babies. Overheating can be fatal to developing chicks. Fledglings may be forced to prematurely jump from the nests, reducing their chance of survival.
Afternoon sun and heat accumulation can turn the bird house into an oven. Temperatures can easily reach dangerous levels for the birds. Facing west or southwest takes away the benefits of a cool, shaded roosting spot for the birds to retreat to in the heat of the day.
Problems with Afternoon Sun
Here are some of the main problems to avoid by not facing west or southwest:
- Excessive heat buildup in the afternoon
- Heat stress for adults and young
- Overheated nests
- Increased risk of eggs and babies dying
- Forced premature fledging
- Less benefit of shade in hot afternoons
- Greater energy expenditure for cooling
- Less hospitable for roosting and resting
A west or southwest facing house may look fine in the morning but turn deleterious as the sun shifts and intensifies. The brutal afternoon sunlight and heat can render the house unlivable.
Other Direction Considerations
While east or southeast is optimal, north or northeast directions can also work. The north side will stay shaded and cooler as the sun travels across the southern sky. The bird house won’t heat as intensely, which provides refuge during hot spells.
North faces can be a secondary option if a southeastern exposure isn’t possible. Northwest or northern orientations are better than directly west or southwest. However, north won’t be warmed as well in the mornings, so isn’t as ideal overall.
Try to avoid a southern exposure if possible. South-facing will get more direct sun exposure in the hot midday hours. Southern exposure is better than western but still far from ideal.
Here is a quick summary of preferred directions from most to least suitable:
- Southeast
- East
- North/Northeast
- Northwest
- South
- West/Southwest
Other Placement Tips
Beyond direction, here are some other placement tips to optimize your Purple Martin house:
- Aim for open surroundings with a clear flyway to the house
- Avoid obstructions like wires and trees close to the house
- Place high up 15-20 ft above ground if possible
- Tilt the house slightly downward for better drainage
- Leave at least 30-60 ft between houses if installing multiple
- Situate away from busy roads or noisy sites
- Minimize access by predators
Proper placement and orientation will give the martins the habitat they need to successfully raise young. Follow these recommendations to attract a thriving colony.
Pick the Right Pole and Location
Mounting your Purple Martin house on a suitable pole in the optimal spot is also important. Here are some key considerations when choosing a pole and location:
Pole Type
- Use a galvanized steel pole or another sturdy, rot-resistant material
- Aim for a pole 16-20 ft tall to lift the house above the ground
- Bury the pole 2-3 ft underground for stability
- Consider an oscillator or winch system if raising up the pole safely is difficult
Location Tips
- Choose an open area away from trees and obstructions
- Make sure there is adequate clearance around the house
- Avoid placing near wires and potential predators
- Select a spot with a clear sunrise view to the southeast
- Pick a location that’s easy to access for maintenance and monitoring
Invest in a permanent, sturdy pole, placed in an ideal spot for convenience and safety. This will provide many seasons of durable housing.
Put up Guard to Deter Predators
Predators like raccoons, cats, and snakes can threaten nesting Purple Martins. A predator guard above and below the martin house can help deter these potential threats.
A cone-shaped guard below the house prevents climbers like raccoons from reaching the entry holes. Snake guards wrap around poles to stop snake access.
Guards not only block predators but also discourage them from continually returning to the site. here are some tips for anti-predator guards:
- Use a plastic or metal cone 3-4 feet wide
- Ensure the guard is smooth without footing for climbers
- Wrap snake guard 2-3 feet above and below the house
- Keep guards maintained so they don’t become footholds
- Extend any pole sleeves or baffles high enough to deter climbers
Effective predator deterrents will make your site much safer. Guard placement is just as important as house placement and orientation.
Conclusion
Properly setting up a Purple Martin house with ideal direction, placement, and predator guards will help attract martins and make them feel safe and at home. Always face houses east or southeast to provide morning sun and warmth. Avoid west or southwest exposure to prevent overheating issues. Place on an appropriate pole in an open area clear of obstructions and threats. Right orientation paired with smart placement and deterrents will encourage martins to raise young in your bird house for years to come.
