In a message dated 5/22/99 10:07:59 PM PST, sdownes at u.washington.edu writes:

> since this is the closest colony
> I know of it seems rather far for a martin to be ranging. Is there a

Hi, Scott,

When I was a kid growing up in the midwest, we had a colony living in a house
my dad put up in the backyard. We were at least seven miles to the nearest
body of water, a river. So I think what you are seeing is a bird or a colony
that didn't read the rule book that says all martins must be near water.
Also, you may be seeing dispersal...maybe the colony is booming, and there's
no space for new breeders to find a cavity. Have you put up a martin house?
Try it, though it may be too late this year....
Michelle