Canada Martins

[rrmartins]

My wife and I were wondering, why martins would migrate all that distance to Canada, to breed? We are glad they do for the many northern landlords. It just amazes us as to why.

[Matt F.]

Interesting question RR.
My theory is this (which may be waaaay off)......
Thousands of years ago, when there were lots of Martins, but not so many available nesting cavities, I think there were many Martins that found as they migrated back north to nest, many of the available nesting locations - starting with the most southern locations, were already taken.
This forced them to trek further north, until they found a vacancy.
At one point (again, probably thousands of years ago), there were so many Martins, and so little available nesting sites, that some had to continue north into Canada, until they found a place to nest.
I believe that's how their massive range, east of the Rockies, was initially established.
I believe this fierce competition, and sense of urgency to find available cavities, is also what explains the drive to arrive back so early (sometime way too early) that we still see today.

[Louise Chambers]

Another possible reason for traveling further north to nest - the further north martins go, the more hours of daylight are available for feeding nestlings.

[rrmartins]

Both great theories. We're thinking probably some of both. I wish I could study it somehow, but have no idea where to start. Anybody know if National Geographic will have a show on martins this year?

[Bird Nerd]

Great question I've also wondered why, and both great theorys, but I don't understand why they haven't figured out by now they don't need to go so far, and have learned that they can stay in warmer climates in the U.S.

[DebA]

My theory is:

Southern US martins...clearly smart/lazy.

Midwest US martins...just right.

Canada martins...clearly show off overachievers.

Deb

[Bird Nerd]

Deb,

Hilarious!

[madattiver]

Deb,

That brought a chuckle this morning as I read that one. I sure am glad there are show off overachiever martins so I can enjoy them throughout the summer. It would be a shame if they stayed south.. spread the joy.. spread the joy...

[Matt F.]

My theory is:

Southern US martins...clearly smart/lazy.

Midwest US martins...just right.

Canada martins...clearly show off overachievers.

Deb

Deb,
I love it!
I'm going with your theory!

[Connie]

Thanks Deb,

You and Matt both gave me a chuckle today. Matt in another post I read.

I needed a good laugh today.

Happy Martin Season.

[rrmartins]

Ha ha, that's funny. Let's hope they will continue their journey for thousands of years to come.

[mclifton]

Another thing, in summer it gets pretty hot in southern Manitoba, accompanied by bug, bugs bugs. Lots of easy food. I just wish they would eat more.

[SteveJ]

I know exactly why they do it being Canadian myself. You mistaken them for being a true Purple Martin which is not the case. They are called "Snowbirds" and like every Canadian Snowbird, they head south for the winter to bath in the warmth & sun but have to come back into Canada at least once a year to maintain their free health care. They have their babies in Canada to ensure they are born Canadian to ensure they have the benefit of free health care as well.

[jogl]

As mentioned, further north:

* longer summer days
* more bugs

but:

*shorter summer,

it is a balancing act for migrating bird species.

The summer bugs in northern Ontario are awful!.., unless you like to eat them.

[rrmartins]

I know exactly why they do it being Canadian myself. You mistaken them for being a true Purple Martin which is not the case. They are called "Snowbirds" and like every Canadian Snowbird, they head south for the winter to bath in the warmth & sun but have to come back into Canada at least once a year to maintain their free health care. They have their babies in Canada to ensure they are born Canadian to ensure they have the benefit of free health care as well.

Hopefully this will be your year Steve. Good luck with your snow birds.