- checking login information
Loading...Spectacular Gathering Of Starlings: A Murmuration (Video)
This might seem counter-intuitive, given that the summer solstice just happened in the northern hemisphere, but I can’t resist this amazing video, which signals the beginning of winter.
Two young Scottish women went out for a late afternoon canoe ride and fortunately one of them remembered to bring her video camera. What they caught was truly amazing, and spiritual. Watch the variation of color and intensity of the patterns that the birds make in proximity to one other. And take a look at the girl in the bow of the canoe watching the aerial display.
No one knows why they do it. Yet each fall, thousands of starlings dance in the twilight above Gretna, Scotland. The birds gather in magical shape-shifting flocks called murmurations, having migrated in the millions from Russia and Scandinavia to escape winter.
Scientists aren’t sure how they do it, either. Even complex algorithmic models haven’t yet explained the starlings’ acrobatics, which rely on the tiny bird’s quicksilver reaction time of under 100 milliseconds to avoid aerial collisions—and predators—in the giant flock.
Ironically, many in Britain consider the starlings a pest, but in this video they are a complete delight.
This video is truly incredible! Enjoy!
Related Stories
The Kitten Who Feared Hamsters (Video)
Read more: animal video, bird video, murmuration, russia, scandinavia, scotland, starlings, stunning video
Photo Credit: screenshot from vimeo video
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
Recent Comments from Causes
They're adorable.
Noisy little things; but good for them!
When I read stories like that i feel happy to see there are great human beings around.
meet our writers
72 comments
+ add your ownTHANKS.
This video is Fabulous! it has an amazing effect on my body/ self - exhilarating beautiful birds and their sky dance.
I'm sooo gonna do birdwatching while camping this weekend, watching wildlife is amazing!
I remember being outside on a freezing cold night watching the northern lights and it was an awesome sight to behold. It changes color, shape and size constantly and you can't tear yourself away even if you've never been so cold. LOL
So beautiful!! Thanks for sharing.
Wow!
It is amazing what you can see in nature, if you just take the time to notice. Many things are happening, just ouside your door, but with our busy lives, few people notice. Sit back, and just take some time to relax, in nature, and I promise you will see something wonderful....
bird hurricane! :)
bird hurricane! :)
Startling!!!
login to add your comment
use your care2 login
add your comment