The birds formed a rising crescendo then swooped down, and then up and across the sky, like a ribbon, wrapping around itself. — Christie Aschwanden, American journalist and science writer (1971-)
A tremendous number of dark-colored birds swept across the skies like dancers swishing from one side to the other as in a graceful dance. A month or so ago a reader asked if I’d let them know if I saw another murmuration. I agreed. During the month of December, I saw three different flocks of birds in murmuration. The only problem is the whole dance lasts only a few minutes and then they are gone. There is no announcement of a coming murmuration; it’s here then it’s gone. I felt bad about the agreement, realizing there was no chance to give notice. It’s true of most miraculous occurrences of nature: It’s here then it’s gone. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen a wonder of nature and would like to capture it in a photograph only to have my phone camera who knows where. It’s times like that you capture the event in your mind and feel fortunate having done so.
Murmurations mostly happen over agricultural fields which is exactly where I observed the group three different times. They could well have been three different groups. The birds could be starlings, common grackles, brown-headed cowbirds, or red-winged blackbirds. It’s also true it may be a mixed flock. The birds will swoop down as the sun is setting to forage the fields or they may be fleeing a Prairie hawk or owl. They find safety in numbers. The event can happen as early as October but most often occurs in winter when foodstuffs have become scarce and predators more determined. As to time of day the murmuration most often will occur around dusk though I have seen some a bit earlier while the sun is still giving off its warmth.
Why the birds do this was baffling at one time though now with more technology the patterns can be studied by bird experts. After the birds have had their fill, they will gather to roost in nearby tree tops. By doing so they will generate warmth and also find safety among them. There will be a lot of chattering before they settle in for the night. Perhaps vying for the better roosting spots.
Starlings were first introduced to North America in 1890. By 1922, a hundred years ago, they covered most of the United States. Starlings were first sighted in Mississippi in 1926. Ornithologists describe the bird as a wandering bird, they seem to have no particular homeplace, and go wherever the wind blows. It’s reported the bird can fly up to 50 miles per hour so it can cover some ground.
The word “murmuration” comes from the sound of a low pitch murmuring created by thousands of wings beating and a soft flight call. It is possible if you listen closely, you may hear them before you see them. In keeping with my agreement, I captured a murmuration on video. It’s posted on Instagram at @Possumhaw_ms for your viewing pleasure.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
