2/16/2006: Migrating starlings at sunset

[chrisinhouston]

I've often thought how much birds flying in formations like this resemble large schools of fish under water, they all move and turn at a moment's notice. While many birds like waterfowl fly in a V formation with a lead bird one has to wonder if these huge flocks have a leader or are they just flying by "the Force". I mean, it's pretty amazing that a couple of 1000 birds are all buzzing along and then turn on a dime and head off in another direction. Must be quite a rush!

Over the years of living in the gulf coast region I've done a fair share of waterfowl hunting. Many times while lying in wait in a field of cut rice completely hidden in a camoflage I've had flocks of sparrows or starlings and others fly like this all around me ofen just a few feet above the ground if they are looking for a place to land and feed. It's a really amazing experiece, the sound of thier wings, sometimes you can even feel the wind as they all rush by.