Martins acting different this evening

Michael N · Wed May 20, 2015 8:24 pm

Typically my martins spend the evenings high above the colony eating insects. Today though, they've been flying much lower than normal, perching on the rooftop and telephone pole. I very rarely see this...they are staying close.

It's been cool and rainy the past few days, and they should be laying eggs any day. Think that has something to do with it? Maybe the bugs are flying lower than normal given this weather.

philsand · Thu May 21, 2015 5:39 pm

Sounds like they are saving energy.

Michael N · Thu May 21, 2015 7:18 pm

You might be right. Today is sunny, and they must be out and about. Haven't seen them since I returned home from work.

rickchilli · Thu May 21, 2015 8:55 pm

it might just be warmer near the rooftops and poles and closer to the earth and the bugs might be there also. I figure they go where ever the bugs are.

Emil Pampell-Tx · Thu May 21, 2015 9:01 pm

When they are very hungry, they will be gone until late in the day, they are out looking for food. As the food becomes plentiful, they will spend more time at home later in the day. When they are hungry, they will come home right before dark

If they come home silently and hit the holes like a bullet, then you most likely have a predator (hawk or owl) that is scaring them

Michael N · Thu May 21, 2015 9:26 pm

Watched them come in tonight. A little later than normal, but not much. Hovered over the yard for 5-10 minutes before finally coming in.

Hope they got their fill of insects today. Next few days do not look good..highs in the 50's and 60's with a 90% chance of rain each of the next 3 days.

DebA · Fri May 22, 2015 8:57 am

Likely on Wednesday they were hungry. Cold wet day. But yesterday was a good day for them to feed. I hope the next days of rain will break up now and again so they can feed between. If not I will be flipping crickets Sunday. They have newly hatched babies and will be happy for my offerings.
Deb