Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

A place to discuss all of your outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and whatever else you do out in the great wilds.
Post Reply
User avatar
tabby
Posts: 2535
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:41 pm
Location: Virginia

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by tabby »

Great photos! I think the first 3 are the best ... a little spooky looking. Seeing these great flocks change direction and the murmuration twist & undulate in the sky is an amazing sight but one which I haven't seen in a while. I don't know if there are fewer starlings or if I'm just not in the right place at the right time. The term "murmuration" is a new one for me!



Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings | Bored Panda
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by Snooz »

I've never seen anything like that and I'd freak out if I did. Strange that this happens only in November and February. Maybe they're following ley lines.
User avatar
YZGI
Posts: 11527
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:24 am

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by YZGI »

We see those here in Kansas. It does look crazy sometimes.
User avatar
AnneBoleyn
Posts: 6632
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:17 pm

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by AnneBoleyn »

The starlings in my neighborhood aren't so artistic. All they do is eat the best garbage & boss the sparrows & pigeons.
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Posts: 16113
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by Bryn Mawr »

AnneBoleyn;1416951 wrote: The starlings in my neighborhood aren't so artistic. All they do is eat the best garbage & boss the sparrows & pigeons.


Are they resident? They only perform like that when preparing to migrate.
User avatar
AnneBoleyn
Posts: 6632
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:17 pm

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by AnneBoleyn »

They took up residence a few years ago. I believe they followed me from Massachusetts, where they had the same yearly nest, a crack in the wall, above the entrance.

PS, these guys ain't going anywhere.
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Posts: 16113
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by Bryn Mawr »

AnneBoleyn;1416968 wrote: They took up residence a few years ago. I believe they followed me from Massachusetts, where they had the same yearly nest, a crack in the wall, above the entrance.

PS, these guys ain't going anywhere.


With you being so far north I was surprised they don't migrate so I looked it up. Turns out they're an introduced species so they would have no natural migration pattern.

I was amazed at the method of introduction - one hundred starlings were released into Central Park by an organization who believed that all birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare should be present in the US! No thought to the effect on the ecosystem, just a tribute to the bard.
User avatar
tabby
Posts: 2535
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:41 pm
Location: Virginia

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by tabby »

I've always heard them referred to as "nuisance birds" and knew they weren't native but I didn't know the story of their introduction.
User avatar
tabby
Posts: 2535
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:41 pm
Location: Virginia

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by tabby »

User avatar
Oscar Namechange
Posts: 31842
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:26 am

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by Oscar Namechange »

Tabby... you may think they are wonderful.... come to my garden just before they migrate when they eat anything In sight. :wah:

I don't know why they stop off at my little garden but there are herds of them.

In fact... residents about half a mile from me once applied to the council to have them culled because there were so many pooping on cars..
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. R.L. Binyon
User avatar
tabby
Posts: 2535
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:41 pm
Location: Virginia

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by tabby »

Here are some more great shots:

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2019/ ... gs/579286/

I particularly like #13 because the murmuration somewhat takes the shape of a chubby bird!

These are not well loved birds but I can't help but admire the photos.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

Breathtaking Murmurations of Starlings

Post by LarsMac »

tabby;1529698 wrote: Here are some more great shots:

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2019/ ... gs/579286/

I particularly like #13 because the murmuration somewhat takes the shape of a chubby bird!

These are not well loved birds but I can't help but admire the photos.


Yeah, up close, they can be pretty annoying.

But at a distance, they are fascinating.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
Post Reply

Return to “The Outdoors”