Sunday, November 18, 2012

Birds in Flight

Every year around this time, we have a huge influx of these small non-native black birds called European Starlings.  Unfortunately they do more harm to our native birds environment and habitat than good.  Though with that said, they have the most unique and spell binding flight I have ever seen.  Sometimes during the evenings you can catch me watching them fly in their uniquely choreographed flying formations.  For me it is absolutely mesmerizing and brings a sense of calm to my buzzing brain.  It's amazing how synchronized they are; birds fly into the group, they fly out, they turn one way then another never touching the bird next to them and they always seems to have the same exact spacing from the next bird the entire time, crazy!  The ironic part about it is they usually do this acrobatic flight right in the middle of some of our city's busiest intersections, almost like they are putting on a show for us, lol.  So I am usually watching in my car at a light or in a near by parking lot since I would like to remain 'poop free'.  This week I was finally able to get a snippet of their peaceful 'air dance' to share with you.  
Hope you enjoy it as much as I do even though blogger made the video so darn small!

Happy Gardening and best wishes!

Sheri
xoxo

4 comments:

  1. That's really neat. I did not know those starlings were here. I'll have to be on the look out for them.

    FlowerLady

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    1. Yes, it's pretty spectacular how their shape & size change as they turn...becoming a massive black grouping or small tiny specks. It's seems they only do this type of flying in the evening times. Hope you get a chance to see them in person!

      Happy Thanksgiving & best wishes,
      Sheri

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  2. They sure are beautiful in flight. Like FlowerLady, I haven't yet seen them, but will hope to see them down here in the Keys sometime; they would look spectacular flying out over the Bay. Here's one of my favorite videos of a starling "murmuration": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNqhi2ka9k

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    1. I can't believe I was so moved watching the video you sent that tears started streaming from my eyes. I can only imagine what it looks like in person with that many birds. INCREDIBLE! Thank you so much for sharing that video...pretty cool! If you ever get this way, my friend Chris works at Island Safari Tours in Key West. A great way to see the Keys is by water & they have everything from kayaks, paddle boarding, boating, jet skiing, snorkeling, etc. Hope you can make it one day!

      Best wishes,
      Sheri

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