First SY Martin at my colony in FL

[DAKdude]

Last night not long before all the birds came into the colony to roost I spotted a very pale breasted female martin that was the object of several males attention. She must have just arrived since she did not appear comfortable and familiar like the birds that have been here awhile. I got my binoculars on her and she was without a doubt my first SY bird for the season. She had an almost pure white crissum and not a single dark purple feather anywhere on her that I could see. The males were each trying to get her to come to their home gourd. It is amusing to see her attracted to a male that is displaying at the entrance of his gourd, she flies down and enters. Moments later you can hear a fight ensue inside the gourd and a short while later the SY female is seen trying to escape the gourd usually with an angry ASY female hanging on to her tail or wing. Those males constantly try to get any gal to join them not thinking that the rightful Mrs. Martin will toss the new girl out post haste. Anyway, it was good to see the SY birds showing up. I still haven't seen a SY male so I haven't put it on the scout report yet.
Any other SY birds out there?
James

[Laverne]

Hi James.

After reading your post regarding SY females, I went out and walked around under my housing. The 25 -30 PMs hanging around here were receptive to my visit and allowed me to get a pretty good look at them. I, too, spotted a female Purple Martin with a clear light crissum (meaning no banding or dark shading). I believe she is also an SY.

I usually just watch for the SY Male Purple Martin. But, the Second Year Female should mean something to still watching and waiting landlords as well.

Thanks for making me pay attention.

Enjoy...

Sincerely,
Laverne