I love murmurations! So amoeba like, appearing, disappearing, now you see them, now you don't, amorphous, yet substantial too. Very very cool! Thank you.
Loggie—they are indeed starlings. The film makers suggested that the presence of a sperver influenced some of their movements. A sperver is a sparrowhawk. Cayu— yes, I love them too. I could sit and watch them for hours if they only lasted for that long. Here, the most common murmurationers are starlings and jackdaws. We have a good vantage for viewing the aerial displays from our apartment. Sometimes we walk out into the park below … but I hasten to say that getting up close is not without its peril. Don’t wear good clothing.
European starlings are the only birds that form murmurations, and this is just the right time of the year to see them. Other birds of course, gather together and fly in flocks, but not in the same magical acrobatic way of the starlings. Wonderful sight to see! As a point of interest, these birds appear to be in decline here in the UK. The cause of this is not actually known, but is a case of concern.
Thanks for sharing the videos! I've never seen a proper murmuration, only flocks of small birds. We get the starlings in spring, but they split up to find nesting places. Then the families gather come autumn and fly off south, still in flocks. I feel left out, and I know I'm missing some spectacular sights!
Oh no you mustn't feel left out. You will just have to come and live over here, it's slightly warmer here too
Thanks, @Tetters! I know it's warmer, but even though you have murmurations I can't live in England. I missed our mountains too much, and the sea. I like Kent, and Cornwall too, but my heart is in Glouchestershire. Loved the foggy countryside, the history all around, and the lovely houses dotted about. And the pubs! I really missed the pubs when I moved back home. Still do.
