The earliest Martins arrive in mid-March (from the 4th to 26th).  These are a few impatient males that are sometimes forced by late storms to rejoin their less venturesome brothers further south.  By the last week in March there are always a few present and during the following two weeks they are joined daily by fresh arrivals.  It sometimes happens that late sleet storms force the Martins to remain in their roosts for two or three successive days when they starve to death.

     Nesting begins early in May and when the young are out the birds begin flocking to common roosts in the bottoms.  They leave on the southern journey during early September.

     Martins are sociable birds and breed in colonies wherever suitable bird-houses are provided or where they are able to find room in the cornices of old business buildings, as on north Main Street and elsewhere in the city.

     To attract a colony of Martins it is necessary to provide a house of several rooms with the entrance  holes at the bottom and placed as high from the ground as possible.  It is also necessary to have the house out in the open away from trees.