Tool to help landlords guess when their martins will arrive

[Pat Kramer]

This is pretty neat: http://hint.fm/wind/

The map shows direction and intensity of wind for North America in real time. Among other things, it's thought that birds generally wait to migrate with favorable winds. Using this map, a landlord might expect some birds to arrive on days with south winds.

Today, most of the winds are coming from the north so I would guess the PMCA will receive relatively few scout reports today. But then that's just a guess.

[Chuck4]

I'd guess Florida will still be getting martins based on the winds and temps. The rest of the coast will be closed for a few days...

[John Barrow]

After many years of observing arrivals AT the mid and south Texas coast, I have found that many of these early arrivals occur at the worst possible time. The favorable southerly winds possibly favored by martins for migration jump off from the Yucatan or similar southern regions occur as the northers approach the Gulf coast. This adds to the perils of spring migration, as early travelers are jumping off toward an approaching frontal system and limited food resources.

A chart that I prepared of all pre-February scout reports indicates that far less than one tenth of one percent of the total martin population migrates prior to Feb, and mid February is generally the time that we see the first significant arrivals (generally to large established colonies). In my opinion, the peak of migration begins in March at the Texas coast, culminating with huge SY arrivals in mid-April.

This data and my conclusions were published in PM Update in an article entitled, "First Stop USA--A Look at Migration Along the Texas Coast".

One thing for certain; with each passing day we are all a day closer to seeing our returning friends.

[Lane Stout]

John, My first returning bird(s) are usually in January and I agree with your assessment. Seems they always arrive just behind or between fronts.

My first 2014 arrival was today, the 27th of January. The weather the next two days here in South Louisiana is forecast to be below freezing with freezing rain, sleet and between 1-3 inches of snow accumulation. It's safe to say no insects will be flying for a martin to catch.

Through the past few seasons I have offered these early returnees supplemental feeding through bad weather periods and they have taken to eating scrambled eggs from an elevated platform. I am confident this bird will go to that feeder tomorrow and if he does, he can survive the next few cold days.

[Matt F.]

Pat,
Thanks for posting that!
That map showing real time wind conditions is amazing!
John,
That is amazing data you've compiled.
Talk about a tough deal - making it all the way across the Gulf, only to be hit with a nasty cold front upon arrival.

[John Miller]

This is a very cool map...if I get any more digitized I will no longer be human. huh?

Thanks for the link.

John M

[Dave Reynolds]

Pat --- Thanks for posting the Wind Map,,, I'm adding it to my favorites..

Dave

[Lane Stout]

This is pretty neat: http://hint.fm/wind/

The map shows direction and intensity of wind for North America in real time. Among other things, it's thought that birds generally wait to migrate with favorable winds. Using this map, a landlord might expect some birds to arrive on days with south winds.

Today, most of the winds are coming from the north so I would guess the PMCA will receive relatively few scout reports today. But then that's just a guess.

Add this one too. It shows the entire globe and is click zoom / navigable.
http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wi ... ,19.51,664

You can see any martin headed north off the Yucatan right now is going to be in for a nasty surprise around mid Gulf.

[Don Troha]

Add this one too. It shows the entire globe and is click zoom / navigable.
http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wi ... ,19.51,664

Nice map. Notice winds favorable for entry into Florida from the islands and coincidentally there are a number of new scout reports for Florida yesterday and today.

Here's another wind map with pan/zoom and 7-day forecast capability:
http://www.windfinder.com/weather-maps/ ... 99/-87.979

[Pat Kramer]

Wow, those other maps seem much better. The one I shared only shows North America and has no forecasting feature.

Thanks for sharing them!
Pat

[tlragsdale]

I get pretty "wigged out" when I read of martins arriving in Missouri, and see favorable winds from Texas all the way up to our home in Wisconsin. We still have 30" of snow on the ground and our temps have been below zero most every night. It's currently sunny, but only 4 degrees.

If you have any large gathering of martins heading to their favorite new home "up north" (hopefully the new Gemini rack in our backyard), tell 'em to take their time …..but, by all means, do come!!