In East Texas, they start arriving in late October and early November. The migration back north usually begins about the end of February or early March.
While here, they have a home base, usually a lake with lots of dead trees to roost in and fish to eat. They send out "scouts" every day from the home base covering many miles. It is these "scouts" that you really have to watch out for, because they kiss and tell. If you don't get the "scout", it returns with its buddies and they in turn return with their friends.
This year I had a flock of at least 30 descend on my pond in mass. If you aren't there to defend your interests...well its good bye fish. Thirty birds, two pounds of fish per day per bird, you can see why I dislike them so much.
I have seen them eat small bass up to one pound to a pound and a half. I have seen them completely eliminate the BG. In one pond with some very large BG, they slashed them with their beaks when they couldn't swallow them. Small catfish are particularly vulnerable. Just ask a professional grower.
In short, they are a pond owners worst nightmare. Count yourself lucky if you can escape them or can fight back.... and please don't tell me about protecting them.
