Missouri..fewer subs? And... little band reading musings

[John Miller]

Here be a landmark study. Most return to the general region, but some hundreds of miles away.

http://purplemartin.org/update/NatalDispersal12(2).pdf

The ASY banded male I mentioned at start of this thread...sited for first time here in St. Louis...was fledged in 2011 in Platte City, Mo. -- other side of the state north of Kansas City. He appears to have a sub female mate. We don't know where he spent his first summer as a subbie, but at some point he may have seen TV ads airing in KC market by the St. Louis Visitors and Convention Center for tourist attractions in St. Louis. Maybe he saw a glimps of the martin houses in the park.

John

[avesrun]

Interesting article and thanks John. Here's to hoping the genes for the farther travelling subs increases in dominance for all the wannabe landlords not in close proximity to active colonies. Also the article demonstrates importance of reporting band colors /numbers. If I get a colony going I'll have my spotting scope handy; however from the article I also learned that reading the bands is quite difficult and will require dedication; a trait I think most Martin landlords possess.

[phldave]

Tim,

I'm with you and ready for that flood of SY birds. I've been working very hard keeping the HOSP at bay so the martins have a clear site to take over. Hope this next week tells the tale we've been longing for. If I'm lucky the timing will be perfect. I'm on vacation next week and would be able to witness the entire spectacle if it occurs.

Dave

[Craig Haddox]

Spotted at least 4SY males and 2 SY females today looking for anything available. Filling up fast. Have enough room for 50 pairs.

[Elaine]

There was a large group of SY's at our location in mid MO this morning, too many to count! Looks like most headed north.