who comes first?

[Guest]

Hi folks!
Still waiting for my first martins to come in, I know they have to be close but I did see some Tree Swallows today and if I remember correctly last year they seemed to be about a week ahead of my martins. Any thoughts on this? Southern Illinois area of course. Thanks!

[Glen Webb Jr]

At least what I've always experienced, tree swallows have shown up at my place at most a week or so before any martin. However, that's not always been the case. I've had arrivals of both species a day apart and I've seen martins a week before I ever saw a tree swallow. I think their arrivals are so close that they overlap at times.

I had two male tree swallows this morning and boy they let the world know when they're back. I love those excited chirps. But I expect a martin by this weekend, especially considering the fairly large size of my colony (43 pair in 2005, 100% occupancy).

But if you look at the scout arrival map for Illinois, martins are already pushing into south central Illinois.

[Guest]

I had to look up your town to see how far away you were from me. Much further north! If you are getting yours this weekend mine should be here by now Yes, I've been watching the scout reports daily. Seeing them come in makes me anxious to see mine. Sounds like you had a great year last year. This is my second year and I've added a 16 natural gourd rack to the area so I should get several more pair than I had last time. ( 4 successful pairs).
Let me know when your show up OK? Thanks.

[Nanette]

Hi Pen,
I was wondering the same thing! I looked out today and saw a Tree Swallow investigating one of my Bluebird houses. I was hoping that the Martins couldn't be too far behind. Everyone keeps saying that the Martins are early this year. Last year I saw my first scout March 15th.