“Large number of Wood Sandpipers (Tringa gladiola) in these extensive padi fields that have just been planted.
“Congregated in flocks of 25-30 all over the area. Sometime shard to spot in the green fields.
“Prey during migration is poorly recorded. Spotted one bird taking a large prey from the mud. At first I thought it was small brown frog, but examination of images suggest 6 legs and more likely a large insect.
“A short recording of calls made when flushed HERE. Wells 1999 describes them as ‘fii-fii-fiif’.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr)
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
22nd October 2014
Location: Ulu Dedap, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Extensive rice farming area with nearby rivers
Addendum: Dr David Wells commented that “…Some kind of exopterygote insect because lumps on its body are most likely developing wing buds. Maybe a bug or dragonfly larva of some sort.” Amar added: “One of my bird watching colleagues suggests it is a Dragonfly larva.”
Leong Tzi Ming
Lovely Sandpipers!
I believe the insect prey is a dragonfly nymph, which would be an inhabitant of rice paddies. 🙂
Amar-Singh HSS (Dato Dr)
Thanks Tzi Ming. A colleague mentioned that as well & I agree.
I was slow at updating YC.