For the next several weeks, chances are migratory songbirds will be returning from their wintering grounds to your neck of the woods to begin their nesting season. With that in mind, have you ever wondered how many of these birds have nested in or nearby yard the previous year?

       As it turns out, the chances are good that they will indeed nest in the same area.  As you might expect, it varies from species to species.  However, here are the percentages for three of these species:  American robin – 70%, purple martin – 50% and male wood thrush – 60%.

       It is interesting to note that research suggests that anywhere for 20-60% of the migratory songbirds are likely to nest in the same area for at least two years in a row.

       I should also mention that birds seem to be more likely to nest in an area from year to year, if they successfully nested there before.