Awesome. We saw a tornadic formation near Waterford, MS years ago on our way
to Memphis (before the newer roads were built). They appeared to be blackbirds
of some sort as we got nearer.
Sherrie Rikard
Oxford
________________________________
From: missbird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <missbird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> on behalf
of Gene Knight <gsknight@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 2:17:44 PM
To: missbird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [missbird] Re: Murmurations
MISSBIRDERS:
ALL I can say is WOW!!! Been there done that! 20+ years ago Jeff Wilson (TN),
Shannon and I were birding in the winter on the MS gulf coast over in Hancock
Co. at Port Biennville. Late in the evening we spotted this enormous hoard of
Tree Swallows forming in the sky, flying in the same weird configurations. A
Merlin flew through the middle of the flock separating them with precision as
if the swallows were allowing Mr. Falcon to pass on and then right back into
the massive flock. Not long after this incident they formed an enormous
tornado-like figure and began to descend into the marsh. It took over 2 minutes
for the marsh to SWALLOW up the TRSW's. With mouths agape we dared each other
to find at least one swallow perched on the reeds....of course with no luck.
Definitely a sight to behold by all birders.
Thanks Tom for sharing!
Gene and Shannon Knight
Oxford, MS
On 2/15/2017 1:55 PM, Tom Hoar wrote:
This short Vimeo video showing a murmuration was posted five years ago. I think
you’ll see why I saved the link. Love the girl’s expression! :)
https://vimeo.com/31158841
Tom
On 2/15/17 10:16 AM, "Martha Swan" <marthaeswan@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Missbirders,
Interesting article on starling murmuration on Cornell website:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/how-do-starling-flocks-create-those-mesmerizing-murmurations/
Also see a Youtube video of tree swallows here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjxsKNIHD8
Martha
