What a difference 10 degrees makes

Tonight it's 67 degrees and the Martin's are really enjoying the difference from last nights 57. There is a lot of activity and vocalizing. It was however a quiet morning and afternoon as weather was rainy but warm. There may have been a few more SY birds arriving too which might be ramping things up. I expect nest building to start up again in the morning as it is going to be a nice warm day. 

   Martin's activity is very much tied to temperatures, more so than rain which they really don't mind as long as it's not cold.  

May10 cold spell.

With a light frost in places this morning a sunny day and forecast of lows in the fifties the rest of the week the latest cold snap is over.  Around here it's called the May tenth cold spell.  

My Martin's are still showing signs of the negative change of the last week.  Nest building ceased after last Monday's flurry of activity.  the lack of evening congregation and general feel of colony abandonment is s definite result of cool wet weather. 

With eggs being laid in the early nests we also approach a less boisterous time around the colony as the birds "keep it down" to avoid drawing unwanted attention as well as needing to allocate their time differently. although I don't think we are quite at that stage yet.  There are many SY birds yet to arrive and many nests yet to be built if the season is to be normal and especially an improvement. 

A Monday evening 7:20 pm

Beautiful clear skies but still cool in the air.  

Cool wet spell

I don't believe we will be in a danger condition with this snap but today saw little to no sun mostly no. Some short drizzle periods but overall just cool 45 degree steady all day.  Coupled with the second half of yesterday makes a day and half without good feeding weather.  Yesterday morning though was nice and tomorrow suppose to be sunny and pushing 60.  

Next week doesn't look dry but not long periods and warmer temperatures  

the Martin's still perched off and on today but did not vocalize much and didn't spend much time flying. Interpretation conserving energy knowing the insects are not going to be abundant. However there are several hatches around bodies of water that I'm sure are being used as feeding grounds when they do go out.  I should investigate clear creek to see if they use it.   

Last year egg laying had begun when this cold snap hit and several clutchs were delayed in hatching.  That was interesting.   

This year so far is nothing as bad as that. So far.  

May 6. Sun after cold cloudy drizzly day.  

Many of the Martin's are in for night 8:00. A group on tenor so just took flight to feel the rays.  

Second spring about to arrive

April 25. After 4 inches of rain the last five days and cool 50-60 temperatures we are set for a warm up tomorrow. I am still looking for the first ASY MALE. I think there may be a couple but have not been able to look in mornings.  

Nest building has stopped with the rain.  Saturday evening through Monday morning it rained non stop and today was cloudy with a bit of drizzle at times.