In flight meals

[dunlin]

Just read an interesting article about how dragonflies constitute an important food source for migrating raptors. I wasn't aware dragonflies migrated until i read the article.

Apparently various types of dragonfly and hawk moths seen in spring and autumn travelling across the mediterranean are closely followed by raptors who have been seen actively hunting the insects.

Eleonoras falcon, red footed falcon, lesser kestrel and hobby as well as the larger raptors honey buzzard, black kite, montagus, pallid and marsh harriers.

Its been suggested that the birds choice of migration route has evolved to take into account the route the insects take and they provide an important food source whilst making long sea crossings.

[aeshna5]

Many insects do migrate + in recent years we have had new species that have established here in the UK through immigration. At least 2 damselfly species have (fairly) recently established here- Small Red-eyed + Willow Emerald Damselfly with a couple of others with a tentative hold. Last year was an amazing year for rare migrant dragonflies in the UK with record numbers of Southern Migrant Hawker + Southern Emerald Damselfly.

Not so long ago it was discovered large movements- particularly of the Globe Skimmer (Wandering Glider) across the Indian Ocean between Africa + the Indian sub-continent in relation to seasonal weather patterns + this does provide a good food source for birds.

What you are talking about sounds like an article that appeared in British Birds recently- fascinating subject!

[dunlin]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Many insects do migrate + in recent years we have had new species that have established here in the UK through immigration. At least 2 damselfly species have (fairly) recently established here- Small Red-eyed + Willow Emerald Damselfly with a couple of others with a tentative hold. Last year was an amazing year for rare migrant dragonflies in the UK with record numbers of Southern Migrant Hawker + Southern Emerald Damselfly.

Not so long ago it was discovered large movements- particularly of the Globe Skimmer (Wandering Glider) across the Indian Ocean between Africa + the Indian sub-continent in relation to seasonal weather patterns + this does provide a good food source for birds.

What you are talking about sounds like an article that appeared in British Birds recently- fascinating subject!

sounds like you read the same article aeshna. I'd like to get involved in that kind of survey stuck on an island in the middle of the med or indian ocean