how late is too late in Georgia?

Guest · Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:49 pm

How late can I expect migrating birds to still arrive in mid-georgia? I have read somewhere that you might get new birds through May, but does that apply in the south, also? Thanks....I need to know when I should face facts and plan for next year!! boo hoo for now....!

Sue · Sat Apr 21, 2007 7:41 pm

Rb, the latest I have had new martins to arrive here in north Georgia was May 31, so I still think you have a few weeks.

Guest · Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:04 pm

I am just getting subbies in Louisiana so don't give up yet.

Guest · Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:21 pm

thank you, thank you for responding.....I played the dawn song this evening and I have a sy male (I think) in a gourd tonight. As he flew over, he had a light colored belly....so...I'm assuming it was a male. The females don't fly alone, do they? I plan to play the dawn song first thing tomorrow morning to try to lure some friends for him. here's hoping!!

TreeGreenwood · Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:44 pm

You still have a good chance this year but even if you don't attract a pair, don't give up. Continue to eliminate Starlings and House Sparrows. Keep your housing up for the fall migration. Martin parents take their fledglings on tours of housing in the area as they move toward comunal roosts. The hatchling year (HY) bird that sees your cavities may be the SY that starts your colony next spring. Maybe the ASY parents nested in a slum that will collapse over the winter. They'll remember the nice housing that they visited at your place.

Some folks are lucky. I jealously read posts about Martins moving in as soon as a new house or gourd rack was raised. It took me three years to attract my first breeding pairs. Many others tried for much longer. If you keep trying, following the 'best practices' on the PMCA site pages, you'll get a colony.

Take care,

Tree

Guest · Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:16 am

thank you for the pep talk! I realize that these little guys are worth waiting for...and I will stay the course!

Guest · Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:13 am

RB for PM identification click the PMCA Home button (in the group of buttons above the forum usually),Go to Martin Biology then go to Identification. This will help you ID your PMs.
Jack

Guest · Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:39 pm

thanks....this guy flew over so fast, I didn't get a good look. but, I am finding it hard to tell which ones are which...I'll print the images off and have a handy reference! thanks again.