Early Arrivals?

[birdman in buckhead]

Greetings Fellow Landlords!

Is it just me or does anyone else think birds are arriving earlier this year than in years past? This was my first time logging on the forum this year and I was shocked at the "scout" sightings! I haven't seen any here, yet, and haven't even cleaned the units. I've never had birds arrive any earlier than late February/early March here in north central GA. And I figured the deep freeze we had 2 weeks ago would have delayed their arrival time.

I'm certainly not complaining and will clean out my 20 units TODAY!

[C.C.Martins]

Man, well just for us...early, way early. Expected them at home feb 8, January 26th show. 7 birds now.
Preserve: expected date 27 feb. Arrival date 2 feb. 5 birds now.
Kinda nuts.

[killerv]

I've got to pick on ya, Buckhead is not north central Ga.

Off the top of my head, 4 years ago, March 15 for me, 3 years ago, March 15 exactly like the year before for me

Last year, a month early, Feb 15, my colony is pretty established by now so I figured that may have something to do with it

This year, Feb 2.

Hopefully they feed up while they can, we are do for atleast a couple more cold fronts.

[brent]

My birds arrived 3 days earlier than last year. What I am observing is that the birds seem to be pairing very early. Maybe due to the unusually warm weather but I wouldn’t be surprised if nest building is a couple of weeks earlier than last year. Brent

[birdman in buckhead]

I've got to pick on ya, Buckhead is not north central Ga.

killerv - no worries about picking on me! I've got thick skin from working in a chemical production plant and oil rigs in South LA. I'm curious to know, if not north central, where do you consider Buckhead to be located in GA? It's not in the mountains, but it's not MidGA either....... Is sorta north central GA more accurate?

[Condorman]

No, this can't bode well. I see the first bird has just been recorded in North Carolina, near Lumberton. That's only about 20 minutes for a martin away from me. We've had ice and freezing rain for 4 days on this date in past years. We've got a few cold days (40's) forecast for next week but then in the 50's and low 60's. A very early date for here would be 15 February. They're gonna get caught.....

[tor]

I've been looking at SC and NC reports, and they seem to be reporting (same reporter / location) earlier than last year as well. I usually get the first ones around the 22nd of February in NE SC, Marlboro Co. We'll see what happens.

Tor

[birdman in buckhead]

I've been looking at SC and NC reports, and they seem to be reporting (same reporter / location) earlier than last year as well. I usually get the first ones around the 22nd of February in NE SC, Marlboro Co. We'll see what happens.

Tor

Have your birds started showing up yet? I'm still waiting.

[tor]

Sorry for the late reply, Terry. First adult showed up 2/17 in the Pee Dee of SC. We currently have around 30 martins.

[Dave Reynolds]

.. We have had two reports here in Ohio... Both are about two weeks early... But I don't expect mine to arrive until late March..

Dave

[DonDon]

I'm a month ahead of schedule this year. 3 came in this weekend in Central Mississippi

[Mstan]

I’m ten days early from last year. Had a pair come in. Two days of storms and now cold. Haven’t seen the pair since Monday. Suppose to warm up now.

[Mstan]

Went out this morning to raise gourds and plug in song magnet after the two day storm. Much to my joy my pair of Martins emerged from their gourd! I love these birds. Today’s high in the 50s with a week of warmer temps. They should be able to find food this afternoon as the must be hungry. I believe my season is moving in a good direction now. Hope everyone one has a blessed season of landlording. Thank you for all your sharing on this forum as it has been very helpful. God bless.

[Thomas Maddox]

Glad they survived! I lost 8 out of 8 here in SWLA with our earlier record freeze, but I'm up to about 8-10 now and the weather is great. Have a great season!

[Markansas]

Mine have come around March 15 in northwest Arkansas for years until last year March 7 and then suddenly this year scouts showed up on Feb 27. Sure enough had a cold snap and 2 of the 5 died. No idea why they are coming so early

Greetings Fellow Landlords!

Is it just me or does anyone else think birds are arriving earlier this year than in years past? This was my first time logging on the forum this year and I was shocked at the "scout" sightings! I haven't seen any here, yet, and haven't even cleaned the units. I've never had birds arrive any earlier than late February/early March here in north central GA. And I figured the deep freeze we had 2 weeks ago would have delayed their arrival time.

I'm certainly not complaining and will clean out my 20 units TODAY!

[Mstan]

I was sad for my fellow landlords who were battling the cold down south and losing birds. I am glad it has warmed up and you are getting more Martins.

[Coldhilldreamer]

Was glad to have arrivals on February 28th in London, Ky. However, the martins are not staying in their two floor apartment house and am not sure why. They land on it, go in it and fly around it. Could the units be too clean? Don’t want to miss out enjoying the martins this year. What can I do?

Thanks, Sherry

[Thomas Maddox]

Did you have PMs last year? If so, how many? Regardless, that's not unusual behavior when they arrive. They are just checking things out.

[Coldhilldreamer]

Yes I did, and thank you for responding. For the last two years, they take the house immediately after first look! Anything I can do to draw them in?

Thanks again,
Sherry

[Thomas Maddox]

Ultimately they decide where they want to live. Things you can do: Keep trees at least 50-60 feet from your pm house. Make sure you keep house sparrows out of your PM house. Have predator guards in place on your pole. Maybe others will add to this. Best of luck!