Is This Just Common Behavior?

[GeneP]

I have 2 resident ASY pair this year after having a single pair the last 2 years.

My new ASY male is much more vocal and actively seeks out and brings other martins around. My other male has always been more laid back.

Tonight as my 4 were coming in for the night another 4 martins came in with my resident pairs. The new martins (too dark to see what they were) landed and chatted for a few minutes before leaving for the night. My 2 resident pairs went in for the night.

I was hoping that I was going to get more martins. Does this just happen, stop and look in the evening then go to their own colony or do you think they come back during the day and check things out more closely. This has happen a few times.

As I've read here, migrating birds tend to stay the night if there is room and move on in the morning or they don't stay at all.

Any insight?

[Dave S (Texas)]

Normal behavior. Resident Martins will scan the sky to invite other Martins to stop by and take a look/maybe take-up residence. Birds that stop/look/leave may just be heading to their own colony.

[Guest]

Yeah, this is pretty common behavior. I have martins that will come over from colonies across the lake, check things out at my colony, and then head back to their own colony. I wouldnt doubt it if mine do the same thing.

[GeneP]

Thanks for the replies.

[Littlebit45]

My martins go down the road to my neighbors martins and visit and the neighbors martins come and visit here then they will go back to their homes.

[GeneP]

Just so we don't stray too far. I know martins visit other sites during the day, I was specifically referring to new martins following resident martins home at dusk and inspecting things before going to their site or roosting site for the night.

I don't know if they belong to a nearby colony or if they are not willing to stay the night where they've never inspected before.

Thanks