Arrival?

[Kyler]

Alright I have a question? The Purple Martins that colonies had last year that the martins call home. When they arrive in the area/town will they go to the site and go right down and land? Or will they fly in the air really high and then eventually come down?

Kyler,

[Okie]

Good question Kyler. Many years ago with my first house, there were many martins circling the house right after I put it up. These were not returning to a previous colony so I don't know who they were. Maybe just visitors checking out a new house. But it was thrilling to see them congregating in the air above the house. My first sight of any Martin.

With all these scout sightings, even north of me & in my general vicinity, I was panicking that I have not seen even one PM. I have finally come to the conclusion, right or wrong, that these sightings are established colonies & maybe the early arrivals are there to get the best choice of compartments.
I checked out the 3 small colonies within 1 mile radius of me & 2 of them do not have houses up & the other appeared empty.
That gave me some comfort as I cannot get the thought out of my mind that my ONE bird in my "colony" maybe has not survived in order to return.
I try to focus that it is too early & he will show up in a couple of weeks.

You had more than one bird last year so you should get returning birds. Maybe you'll get to see them when they arrive. I'm guessing they will circle bc they are aerial birds & don't necessarily fly from here to there just to land & perch somewhere like other local birds.

Let us know what they do. Here's to a growing colony for Kyler. Have fun this season.

[stan davison]

Okie, I had two Asy Males last week do several fly-bys. Then this cold snap came in. Haven't seen anything since. My bet is by Friday I will have a few. Good luck this year. Last year my first arrived on feb. 29th.

[Okie]

Thanks for your update Stan. Bet you have several returns during the warm spell. They know the coordinates of your place.
Mine came March 28 last year so I'll be looking for him starting next week. Hope the new gourd rack will attract some SYs
Have a great season & keep those snakes under control.

[stan davison]

I had 2 asy males come into roost tonight. Can't wait to get up tomorrow morning.

[stan davison]

Okie, hope you get several Martin's on your set up this year.

[Okie]

I had 2 asy males come into roost tonight. Can't wait to get up tomorrow morning.

Exciting. Your season has begun. But don't let them steal MY females Like as if I had any to steal. She disappeared last year. Must have been snatched by a hawk. Just my lone ASY male.