Eagles & Starlings

That would explain the behaviour I saw.
Thanks

Marnix

"Philip Veerman" <>

24/04/2006 12:45 PM

To	"Marnix Zwankhuizen" <>
cc	<>
Subject	[canberrabirds] Eagles & Starlings
Classification

Hi Marnix,
 
As I wasn't there I don't know exactly what
the situation was but..... forming tight flocks and flying in circles is
one of the characteristic responses of Starling to various raptors. This
for the same reason as little fish do it (as sharks, dolphins, tuna etc
attack). Each bird trying to get close to the centre of a flock (further
from the danger) makes the flock become more spherical. Probably makes
a somewhat borderline prey for a Little Eagle into an even more difficult
choice.
 
Philip