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Louis De Navarre's avatar

Very interesting article of a fascinating natural phenomenon that is a wonder to behold, thank you Jessica 😊🥰.

An amazing fact about murmuration is that starlings are the only species of birds who do it. Other birds flock together in large numbers and produce a similar visual effect, but their in-flight crowds lack the defining ‘murmur’ sound which makes a murmuration so iconic.

Sadly, while flocking can keep birds safe from predators, it does make them extremely susceptible to hunting and diseases.

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Jessica Rath's avatar

I didn't know that, thanks. I have seen flocks of birds (never starlings) -- much smaller, but still utterly beautiful and mesmerizing. I wasn't close enough to hear them, though.

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Louis De Navarre's avatar

Just a point of information : it’s to conserve energy that swans, waterfowl, and geese are flying in a V formation, by reduction of wind resistance. So, the birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, they can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest.

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Anna Vinson's avatar

Thanks 👍😊💖

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Jessica Rath's avatar

Glad you liked it, Anna! How's your Substack coming along? 😉

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Anna Vinson's avatar

Hasn't happened yet. I've been dodging serious bumps in my TX roads. Don't want to put it out there now. Seems to me that you have landed on your feet in MA. Yeah 👍👍 happy happy joy joy 😊😊 💕💕

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Jessica Rath's avatar

Oh dear, sorry to hear TX gives you problems... I wish that things will fall into place... Yes, I'm slowly growing into my new city life at sea level.

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Weston Parker's avatar

Really beautiful, the video and your essay and your message.

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Jessica Rath's avatar

Thank you, Wes! 💝

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