This evening I got home from work and was staring longingly at my martin houses wondering when my birds would return. There were a few reports from farther south but in past years I usually get my first birds about 2 weeks after the first birds arrive in the Naples/Fort Meyers area. It was just getting dark, about 6:05 PM. As I was gazing at the gourds, three martin silohuettes dropped out of the sky and shot right into three separate gourds without even slowing down! They shot into the gourds so smoothly and without hesitation in one movement it was obvious that they had been here at least earlier in the day if not for a day or so. This isn't the way a new arrival usually appears; most new birds drop down on a perch on the colonoy, flutter to a hole, stick their head in and out a few times and test several holes before they pop into one of the very briefly. These birds knew where they were going and were familiar and confident about shooting into the gourds without stopping or any hesistiation. I think most years I miss the very first bird to show up because I usually don't get home till just after sunset this time of year. I'm just glad they are back. It was cold last night (by Florida and martin standards); mid 40's. Fortunately it was in the 70's during the day today and I suspect they were able to get enough to eat today.
Well anyway, they are here and I am estatic!
Best wishes to everyone of you this year for a fantastic martin season.
James Mejeur
Martins arrive in Kissimmee, Florida
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James Strickland FL
- Posts: 2249
- Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2003 8:04 pm
- Location: Reidsville NC
- Martin Colony History: 2017 Had a lot visitors no Matins nesting, hoping 2018 will be different.
2018 Had 1 pair
2019 had 30 pair
Great to hear that you have your birds.