Martins Are Back

James Strickland FL · Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:19 am

I just looked at the the scout report and a scout has landed in Florida. Now the fun begins.

The Olsons · Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:27 am

I just looked up Martha's history of scout reports and saw that last season she had the first martin on January 6th, and the year before that on January 20th. Does that mean all the martins are going to be back earlier this year?

Excited

but worried about the weather in January

Astrid

James Strickland FL · Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:06 pm

Olsons, I don't think that they will be coming real early. I think some martins just show up early some years. I hope mine show up a little early. It never really gets cold here, so their is no danger in getting cold or not able to feed.

The Olsons · Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:17 pm

Thanks James for the info....we also live in a warm climate, but we do occasionally, like today, go down in the low 40s or even 30s....brrrrrr. I am happy to hear that these first martins are in good area for feeding. You better watch out now; yours might be right around the corner

Astrid

James Strickland FL · Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:47 pm

I sure hope so.

Guest · Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:12 pm

I,m ready ,are you??????

dick

James Strickland FL · Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:27 pm

I sure am Dick. I have everything up and ready. I had a hawk hit my decoy this morning. I watched him hit it.

marshainpuntagorda · Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:23 pm

Hi
I reported the scout this morning (very foggy; around 9:30 a.m.)and I still can't believe it was here if my husband hadn't seen him and heard him I'd think I was dreaming...He came in from the SE as the scouts always do...he absolutely knew where he was and was very vocal and very excited! When we whistled back he responded and circled and circled. I almost fainted and starting screaming for my husband who thought I was ill...he went into the attic to get the super gourds (thank goodness we cleaned them before we put them away). We were planning on putting up our gourds on Christmas day...our neighbor has his up already!
It has been unseasonably warm this winter peaking in the low 80's during the day and mid 50's at night (usual is low 70's) don't know if that has anything to do with the return...Last year Port Charlotte, a few miles away from me, reported the first Martin of the season...sometimes it's Ft Myers, Everglades City or Naples area...
Keep an eye out where there's one you know the rest are not too far behind. I'll post a photo when I can.
Marsha

James Strickland FL · Sun Dec 23, 2007 3:00 pm

I'm very happy for you. I'm glad they have started their trip to here.

Linda Reynolds · Sun Dec 23, 2007 4:49 pm

Marsha, I am so excited since seeing your 2008 Scout Arrival Report this morning. You sure know how to start off an exciting Chrismas season.

Looking at your history, I can see why you were surprised and excited.....Early arrivals can be a surprise, but I am happy to hear you quickly prepared for them.

The VERY BEST of good luck for a great 2008 season is wished for you and your colony this year.

Thanks for making our Chrismas season just a little happier and brighter. Knowing the martins have arrived in the USA and will be moving north is one of the best gifts ever.

Matt F. · Sun Dec 23, 2007 5:23 pm

Alright Marsha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Linda could not have said it better when she said: "Thanks for making our Chrismas season just a little happier and brighter. Knowing the martins have arrived in the USA and will be moving north is one of the best gifts ever."

My day just got much happier!

I guess I also need to get cracking on getting my 2008 setup ready....

Donnie Hurdt MN · Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:08 pm

Thanks so much for that report, it makes this cold,blustury,snowey day a little eaiser to take!

A Merry Christmas to us all!

Donnie Hurdt MN · Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:16 pm

I have been using a spray on clear lacquer on my natural gourds over the white paint, some of them have been up for three summers now with no visible signs of deterioating.
[Edit] Well, I have no idea how this reply wound up here, sorry about that.

Al Denton · Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:26 pm

It's really nice to see that first report of the season. It's really cool to think that soon a few martins from my very small colony might be on the way back home

Craig Haddox · Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:40 pm

Congratulation's Marsha on your early arrival!!! What a Christmas present to recieve.

James Strickland FL · Mon Dec 24, 2007 7:57 am

Al, They are on their way to you right now as we speak. The martins are making their way to their nesting site. It takes weeks to get here. So your martins have turned around with their new feathers and they are ready to show off for their owners.

Al Denton · Mon Dec 24, 2007 8:40 am

James Strickland FL wrote:Al, They are on their way to you right now as we speak. The martins are making their way to their nesting site. It takes weeks to get here. So your martins have turned around with their new feathers and they are ready to show off for their owners.

They should be arriving in the Raleigh area around March 15th. I'll be out in the yard waiting

Guest · Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:10 pm

I am crying.

Ann

The Olsons · Tue Dec 25, 2007 9:25 pm

It gets pretty emotional waiting for them....and once they are here, it is a mixture out of happyness and the martin dance....and having the neighbors laugh about you. And then it is just about being so emotional....all you want to do is cry!!!!!!!!!!!!

Astrid

Al Denton · Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:58 am

I'm a big guy. I stand 6'7" and weight about 230. My entire head is slick as a peeled onion and all that didn't exempt me from being emotional when my martins returned last year

It was a really big deal when I heard one over my site.