Attracting
House
Martins
© Craig Richardson
House Martins truly are a delight. If you have ever been lucky enough to have them nest on your home, you'll know just how special these little birds are. If you haven't had them nest with you before, why not offer them a safe, forever home? So many homeowners deter them with netting, spikes and slippery surfaces they cannot build to, that their options are becoming fewer every year.
Most modern homes have plastic soffits, and sometimes plastic cladding. The mud they use to make their nests needs to stick fast to the surface for the whole of summer, and ideally over winter ready for their return in the spring. (House Martins are site faithful and will return the following spring). These plastic materials put their chicks at risk of falling, along with prolonged hot spells that make the mud dry out and crack.
If you have House Martins on your home or nesting close by, making a mud patch in the garden will really help them along when they need to build or carry out running repairs.
A more permanent fixture will help House Martins for years to come - artificial cups are widely available and are readily used.
Long before they started to adapt alongside our move to building houses, House Martins nested on rock faces. Some of them still do, but the eaves of a property are a good alternative. House Martin cups should be placed high up, just under the overhanging eaves of a property, matching their natural choice. Apex locations are also ideal. North, East and West aspects are suitable, but do be careful installing them on a South facing wall - they could overheat in the summer. The cups need to be at least 2m high, ideally tucked under an overhang. Installing them in an open position will leave them unprotected from predators and harsh weather.
For more information on nest cups, check out House Martin Conservation's advice!
House Martins do nest alone, but many nest in colonies. Why install one nest cup when you could invite a whole colony?
Playing attraction calls much the same as attracting Swifts, is also effective for encouraging House Martins.
Click here to download a playlist!