Visit From Another Colony

[birdman in buckhead]

Twice over the past week, a flock of about 20 PM's have circled above my PM housing about 20 minutes before dark. They circle once then head back in the direction they came from - towards another colony of PM's about 2 miles away. I have not seen any interaction between my birds and the flock. Any ideas about what their purpose are intentions are?

[C.C.Martins]

Terry, how close are your chicks to fledging? May be getting ready for a fledge party!

[Martintown33]

Yep terry. I don’t know how nearby martin colonies know, that you have fledglings that are getting close to flying day, but they do! Every year, when my fledglings are getting close to their first flights, scores of other martins , join mine to circle round and round, causing a raucous … enticing the chicks to fly.. it’s a great show, and definitely my favorite part of Martin season.
Enjoy,
Rob

[birdman in buckhead]

Thanks folks, but eggs have just hatched, so they are nowhere close to fledging. I've seen the fledging parties in the past and this isn't nearly the same thing. It's as though the other colony is either wanting some of my birds to follow them OR they are checking out my housing. Which, by the way, is far superior to what I've seen at the colony where I think the flock is coming from. I could be wrong, but I doubt if the small gourds are cleaned out over the winter or if nest checks are done there. However, from the looks of it, that colony/housing has been in existance much longer than mine.

[C.C.Martins]

Well that would be interesting wouldn't it? If they started to abandon? Have to be really falling apart though. Hooe they do go your way, be in much better hands.

[birdman in buckhead]

I haven't seen the visting flock since my last post. The population of ASY birds in my colony has remained the same - only a few SY birds have arrived. So the "visits" remain a mystery for now.

[Mstan]

I believe I witnessed my first fledging party this evening. It was getting close to sunset and the martins were all out and in flight. They were circling and chirping like I and never seen before.I first thought a predator had entered their airspace,but couldn’t see one. I do have birds close to fledging. Would they have a party that time of evening?

[brent]

Yes they would. It is great to witness. So much excitement! I love it and I always feel so relieved at the same time. Brent

[Mstan]

Thank you Brent. It was very exciting to watch. I have 28 gourds on two racks. My last nest on 6-3-24 yielded 73 hatchlings and 37 eggs. This is my second full year of being a landlord. I am still green but love learning about these wonderful birds.

[Phil01]

It’s VERY exciting to witness and hear! Soooo loud! Enjoy it!
Phil