I know that many members will be interested in finding out about
“What triggers a Migration”.
I found out a little bit about it and like to share it with you.
After the Purple Martin breeding season and after the parents have taught their offsprings “how to survive” tips and “how to catch their own insects” they all go their separate ways or can still hang around together a little longer until they all join the large Purple Martin pre-migratory roost in our Metroplex the City of Garland, Texas. The word goes out that this is a good place to assemble for their nightly roost.
We can never say what day and time exactly they will begin their migration south but the birds must receive a certain combination of meteorological and seasonal prompts that triggers their migration response.
I feel that it is shorter day length plus cooler nights that might trigger the birds migration gene which in turn causes the Purple Martins to get ready for their grueling flight all the way to South America and their final destination of Brazil.
There are many obstacles to overcome en route and we also know that many birds unfortunately will not be able to make it.
But we are confidant that most of our Purple Martins will be coming back to us in the month of February next year.
So, at our Saturday, 8th of August 2015 Garland, TX huge Purple Martin pre-migratory roost visit we all watched our birds one more time and wished them a “SAFE JOURNEY”.
To all our devoted PMLNT Landlords I like to thank you for being so caring for our wonderful Purple Martins in the ongoing preservation and conservation efforts. And that is what we, the PMLNT organization, are all about.
God bless you all for doing a great job. THANK YOU !!!
Many regards,
Gisela,