Density of bugs in the air

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graue
Posts: 44
Joined: Mon Dec 22, 2003 12:46 pm
Location: Florida/Port Charlotte

I observe that my martins appear to usually feed at high altitudes and wondered how many bugs are up there. I found an article that indicates that there are millions of all kinds up there. Log on to http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/books ... d=all&_r=0 to find out. Even in cold weather and even at all altitudes, so looks like the martins are in no danger of starving.
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Chuck4
Posts: 861
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 10:05 am
Location: North MS
Martin Colony History: I started trying to attract Purple Martins in 2011. I got my first breeding pair in 2013.

2013-1 pair, 2014-4 pair, 2015-8 pair, 2016-12 pair 60 babies :-).

Any chance you could paraphrase the article? :grin:
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scottfreidhof
Posts: 348
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 7:13 am
Location: Kentucky/Morehead

Thanks for sharing. I saw a similar article or radio program several years ago about all the insects in the square kilometer of air space above our heads. It is staggering to realize how many insects populate the air. Martins will definitely starve though during extended periods of cool, rainy weather.
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