This is the time of year when the largest dragonflies (Darners)
migrate.  They form swarms of thousands.  People at hawk watches have
observed that the smaller hawks follow the dragonfly swarms.  Since
gulls will eat anything, my guess is they're feeding on dragonflies.
The time of day is consistent, too -- Darners tend to form feeding
swarms in the evening before roosting for the night.

June Tveekrem
Columbia, Howard County, MD




----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Anderson" <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 11:23 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] 1000+ RB gulls feeding on insects next to Potomac
River


> Wondering if anyone else saw the amazing show along the Potomac
> today around 5:45 PM and if so if they could explain it.
>
> While driving on GW parkway from Alexandria to Memorial Bridge
> for more than a mile there were groups of hundreds of ring billed
> and
> some laughing gulls (easily totaling over 1000) catching insects
> above
> the trees and along the river.
>
> I have seen large groups of gulls scared up and scattered like this
> from dumps but never so many that were feeding at one time in the
> sky.
>
> What sort of insects would be available in such numbers and of
> enough substance to attract 1000 gulls? (both adults and youngsters)
> Are they coming from the trees or water?
>
> Any insights would be appreciated.