Florida's most self-destructive annual sport - shooting at the snowbirds - opened last week. Did you bag your limit?

Once Easter passes, Florida's seasonal residents start flying north and northwest. They'll start coming back from October through Thanksgiving. Coincidentally, their migratory pattern tracks that of turkey vultures, for which year-rounders must mistake snowbirds, given their comments.

Most population statistics for states, counties, and cities refer to permanent residents, or persons who spend most of their time in an area. At certain times, however, many states and local areas have large numbers of temporary residents who exert a significant impact on the area's economy, physical environment, and quality of life. Typically, very little is known about the number, timing, and characteristics of these residents.

The temporary migration of elderly adults has a major impact on the resident populations of both sending and receiving communities. This article presents a methodology for estimating temporary migration and provides insights into migratory patterns that cannot be achieved by focusing solely on changes in place of usual residence.

While market researchers hunt for new niches of robust consumers and communities vie for educated, affluent residents, Florida has them and may not know it. They are the temporary residents known as snowbirds. Because official ties are often with other states, they elude Florida data catchers. Socioeconomic data available from a survey by the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research reveal their characteristics and habits.