Philip, these are observations from people who are constantly looking
for migrants all along the western coast of Japan during the whole of
the spring and autumn migration seasons. They are searching the areas
below lighthouses, small offshore islands, etc. and notice that on
days following a full moon, there are many more migrants to be found
in the mornings at such landing spots - birds that are usually
exhausted from flying all night. Therefore, these observations seem a
lot more accurate than a survey method that tries to spot birds as
they are flying in the night sky.
John
On Thu, Oct 25, 2012 at 8:11 PM, Philip Veerman <> wrote:
> May well be true. Then again, if people are out looking for them at night in
> all kinds of conditions, people are going to detect more of them on clear,
> full moon nights. Indeed counting birds eclipsing the full moon as they fly
> past at night, is one survey method.
>
> Philip
>
> -----Original Message-----From:
> On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Thursday, 25 October 2012 9:24 PM To: Chris Shaw Cc:
> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Do Migratory
> Birds Fly In Clouds - And at Night.
>
>
> I heard an interesting story from some experienced birders in Japan that
> birds tend to migrate with the full moon, and therefore the days following a
> full moon are the best time to look for them at migration hotspots such as
> headlands and offshore islands. I suppose this correlates with the theory
> that birds prefer a bright night if they are flying through the darkness. Of
> course, in adverse weather conditions they will remain at a location and
> rest and feed while waiting for favourable conditions. And around a new moon
> perhaps they fly through the day rather than night.....
>
> John
>
> www.johnandrewwright.com
>
> On Thu, Oct 25, 2012 at 5:32 PM, Chris Shaw <>
> wrote:
>> Hi All
>>
>> I guess they have to fly at night but what do they do when its really
>> really dark or there are clouds in the way or both. I find migration
>> fascinating and so have gone on a bit on my blog "Top Birds &
>> Everyfing" about the problems birds face with night and cloud. I've
>> also posted some links to earlier posts on bird navigation because
>> it's also part of the general subject. You may or may not find some
>> alternative opinion interesting. Grab a beer, cuppa, cafe or a dram
>> and have a read if you've got the time or inclination.
>>
>> http://topbirdsandeveryfing.typepad.com/top-birds-everyfing/
>>
>> is the link.
>>
>> Chris Shaw
>>
>> Mobile 0409 675912
>>
>> My blog - "Top Birds and Everyfing" can be found on the following link
>>
>> http://topbirdsandeveryfing.typepad.com/top-birds-everyfing/
>>
>> It is easier to go down a hill than up,
>> but the view is from the top.
>>
>> - Arnold Bennett
>
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