Surely i didnt spook them....

[Waydog]

So this evening, about an hour before dark, i took my rc heli for a flight around the yard. Its electric, so very quiet. The PMs came in and did a few fly bys on it and chirped at it. I kept it on the other side of the yard, probably 75-100 feet from the housing. Flew about 5 minuites. BUT, this is the first night I watched till dark and only one came in to roost. Ive been having a pair here that have a nest and eggs, theyve been here a month, and I think 3 more thatve been here about a week. Either they came in way of schedule early for the night, and i missed them or they didnt come in at all! Do they sometimes come in after dark??? Im pretty sure they didnt come by dark, but theres always the possibility that they came in late? Theyre schedule is 7:50- 8:00 and theyre in. I satyed eyes glued to the housing from 7:30 till a bout 8:10.... thoughts??

[flyin-lowe]

I am guessing that you did not scare them off. Especially given the fact they have eggs. Martins have an instinct for knowing a predator from a non predator. I have watched certain types of hawks and other large birds glide around my housing and the PM's pay no attention to them. I know other landlords who have eagles and osprey nesting close by and the martins don't mind. However if a Cooper's or sharp shinned hawk get anywhere close the will go nuts. If it was early in the year and you had a lone SY Martin at an unestablished site you might scare the PM off with the chopper but more then likely you missed them coming in or they came in when you weren't looking. The chopper could cause them to dart straight into the cavity for the night but should not cause them to leave.

[Waydog]

Im hoping so. I wouldnt think they would bail over that! Ill know in the morning when i leave for work! Thanks for your reply!

[Dan Clodfelter]

Yes Martins do come in after dark many times @ my colony site and I watch this many times as my site is completely Lit with lights . I also watch martins switch from gourd to gourd in the night before they get a right one picked out . I stay up all night every night and listen for any problems with the martins and hear them talk all night long and also see many come in after dark . Also watch the males leave the nest 3 to 4 hours before daylight to sing high above the colony !

[Waydog]

Well they mustve pulled the after dark on me! Theyre back big time this morning. Ive had about 8 birds, now I think Ive got 10! I didnt know they were active, somewhat, at night though. intresting! Thanks!