Do Martins Ever Abandon One Site For Another After Fledging?

[Bird Brain]

Has this ever happened? I assume an entire colony could abandon one site for another as soon as the chicks can fly. Or do they just wait until the following year to jump ship. I'm seeing a lot of activity from martins that are already committed elsewhere. I'm guessing they already have eggs and chicks at a close infested slum with small 6x6 cavities. They've discovered my 5 star Taj Mahal a little too late for nesting purposes. I believe they will jump ship next year but I was wondering if Martins ever deserted slums sooner, like when the chicks are able to fly. Thanks.

[flyin-lowe]

There are a few reasons a colony might leave mid season, predators, damage due to storms, vandals messing with them, etc. I don't think things like having 6 inch cavities or other small issues would be enough for them to leave mid season. Im not sure what the timeline in the south is but I have had younger colonies that would fledge their young and they would leave within a day or two for the season, heading south. If martins have already fledged in your area it is possible you are just getting visitors from martins that are preparing to migrate. Either way, anytime martins are visiting your site it is a good thing. All it takes is one of them to decide it likes it and to get you started.

[SSMartin]

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I have had 100 new martins at least using the housing to rest and a large dead tree to rest and preen. When they all take flight it is quite a site. I believe these are nearby families who are starting to gather for their trip back south. I doubt many if any will return back to my site next year but it is still cool to see them for the few short days they are here.

[Brad Biddle]

The adults take their fledglings around to neighboring sites. I suppose it’s so the fledglings will know where they are the next year when they return as SY’s. It’s normal behavior.