In the past the common wisdom was that the SY birds returned to their natal colony, but some banding research shows that this is not always true. I seem to remember an article in the PMCA update awhile back that said something like only 15% to 20% return to the colony where they were born. (If anyone remembers the actual figures let me know.) What I was thinking was, were most of the studies done on site fidelity in SY martins done on established colonies? If that is so, it would explain the low returns of the SYs since many established colonies don't have many available nesting sites. Has the returns of SYs ever been done on a colony that is new (in its second or third year) or one that is constantly expanding so there is always available nest sites for returning SYs.
If anyone has thoughts, documented research, idea or theories, let me know what you think. It is seems interesting and could explain why new colonies seem to jump in numbers their 2nd and 3rd years.
James
Do SY's return to the colony where thy were born?
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apundt-TX
- Posts: 986
- Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2004 7:34 pm
- Location: Pflugerville, Texas
- Martin Colony History: :
2022-1 pair
1 pair 2021
2020- Didn't get setup fast enough in Pflugerville
2019- Apartment
2018 Divorce lost Colony in Dripping Springs
19 pair 2017
17 pair 2015
12 pair 2014
8 pair 2013
5 pair 2012
2 pair 2011
Great idea! Now if I could only find a bander in my area to test this theory.
A.P.
A.P.
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John Miller
- Posts: 4866
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
James
Louise wrote something on this a while back that I hadn't considered. Growth the second and third years may have a lot to do with returning birds, which tend not to repair with the same mates. Even with 50 percent survival -- and we hope for better -- each one returns with strong side fidelity and a determination to mate at this particular site -- both the males and the females. All the commotion of attracting new mates at this site may somehow communicate to multiple martins that it's the place to be.
Louise wrote something on this a while back that I hadn't considered. Growth the second and third years may have a lot to do with returning birds, which tend not to repair with the same mates. Even with 50 percent survival -- and we hope for better -- each one returns with strong side fidelity and a determination to mate at this particular site -- both the males and the females. All the commotion of attracting new mates at this site may somehow communicate to multiple martins that it's the place to be.