My 3 Martin babies are on the porch of the martin house. The parents visit regularly to feed them. At times during the day, many martins will come, circle and land on the house. They are all very vocal. What are they doing? Are they encouraging the little one to fly?
Ann
bird behavior
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
They may be, Ann.
I know that there are many families of Purple Martins visiting existing PM housing at this time of the season. They take their fledglings around to familiarize them with the area and potential housing for them to return to next season. Most of my colony has fledged their young and they are gone all day. Some of the families with more recently fledged young are still returning each evening to sleep inside their natal cavities. I believe these are the birds you are seeing - they're just visiting...
I think this behavior gives moral support to the late nesting PMs who still have nestbound young. And it is certainly an aid in getting those nestlings to take the big plunge that becomes their first flight.
Enjoy the activity - it will all soon be over...
I know that there are many families of Purple Martins visiting existing PM housing at this time of the season. They take their fledglings around to familiarize them with the area and potential housing for them to return to next season. Most of my colony has fledged their young and they are gone all day. Some of the families with more recently fledged young are still returning each evening to sleep inside their natal cavities. I believe these are the birds you are seeing - they're just visiting...
I think this behavior gives moral support to the late nesting PMs who still have nestbound young. And it is certainly an aid in getting those nestlings to take the big plunge that becomes their first flight.
Enjoy the activity - it will all soon be over...
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne