Probably most will know this but Attenboroughs’ Life of birds and another video linked to this one, provides a mathematical explanation of how these birds do
this. Computerisation, as in filming them in a way of tracking each individual and then getting computers to analyse the moving dots has worked out that each bird reacts to the movements of seven other birds around it, and this is sufficient to explain the
coordinated movements of immense flocks. Presumably combined with that each bird does not wish to be at the edge and each bird has a general intent of the end location.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of David Rees via Canberrabirds
Sent: Thursday, 11 February, 2021 11:46 AM
To: tlawson; COG
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] A Murmuration of Starlings - Enjoy
Nice, well done footage, all those moving black specks playing hell with Youtubes' compression algorithm, mind. a videographers nightmare, but very well done.
I know Otmoor well, just northeast of the city of Oxford. While farmed, its now mostly a protected place with a big nature reserve and an MOD rifle range (flying bullets keep places wild). One of the best places I know in England to see the European Turtle
dove, which is on its last legs there. Also great for waders and ducks in season. For the fit, a stout walk from Islip railway station on the Oxford - Biscester - London rail line. Closer access by local rural buses depends on the movement of the stars and
planets (happens once in a while.., when, best known to the gods). Can drive there, its popular, parking can be difficult.
David
On 11/02/2021 10:51 am, tlawson wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/88UVJpQGi88
