Are scouts going to super colonies first?

[[email protected]]

I have a question. Are the Scouts (81) as of today, going back to their super colonies? Just curious to know.

[SCleland]

Hello,
Since it's hard to start a new colony it's likely that most scouts wind up joining established colonies (if they join a colony at all; unattached "bachelors" are common). These could be super colonies or just backyard houses that have only a few pairs of martins. However, scouts do not return to "their" colonies; i.e., the ones they fledged from the previous year. They might nest nearby, or miles away, or in a completely different state.
Good luck,
Stuart

[[email protected]]

Thank you

[Conrad Baker]

I have wondered that same question every year. I thought that they returned to the area they were raised in because they were familiar with it. When they fledged the season before, they flew many "missions" and returned, for the most part, back to mom & dad's. Not sure what would cause them make the migration the following year and go to a totally unfamiliar area, but I don't know for sure. I could be totally wrong. Maybe they are not sentimental like humans, and head to new areas. Good question!!

[Phil01]

The scouts you are seeing on the scout report (81) are all ASY birds and most likely returning to the colony they have used for years. (Unless it was undesirable due to predation or no longer there) Not necessarily “Super Colonies” but older, well established colonies. These are usually the older birds in your colony that have made the migration many times and know that coming earlier gives them best pick of housing.

Last years Fledglings (SY Martins) will start returning about 6 weeks later. Only 5-10 percent will return to their natal colonies (where they were born) to nest. They say due to reducing the likely hood of inbreeding… A lot will look for a colony in the same general area if available, while some will find a colony many many miles away.. Another factor that could affect how many nest at their natal colony is how many “extra cavities” do you have? If a full colony the number could be lower due to unavailable cavities..

Good luck this season,
Phil

[flyin-lowe]

The other thing to remember is, scout sightings are supposed to track the migration. So if you see a martin in your area you report it. That doesn't necesarly mean it is from your colony. So you could see a sighting in let's say Key West that is actually on it's way to Tampa. So it is hard to say exactly where they are going so to speak. It is not uncommon for them to stop somewhere on their way home. In general the older birds from more established colonies are returning first, but that is not a 100% rule either.

[[email protected]]

Thank you all for the great advice