Thursday 24 May 2012

Winged whirlwind: Hundreds of starlings put on dramatic tornado display against backdrop of the setting sun

By Charles Walford
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The unmistakable dark vortex moves ominously through the air.
But this 'tornado' will not leave behind a trail of destruction - rather it will leave those who witness it in awe of the beauty of nature.
The incredible image captures a murmuration of starlings, mid-dance, in their trademark swarms over the Aberystwyth sky.

Taking the shape of a destructive twister, the birds playfully zoomed around the twilight sky before settling down to roost.

This murmuration of starlings near Aberystwyth in mid-Wales forms itself into the shape of a giant hunting horn

This murmuration of starlings near Aberystwyth in mid-Wales forms itself into the shape of a giant hunting horn

Starlings are well known for creating some of the most spectacular shapes in the natural world as they flock in the autumn months over the English countryside.

Photographer Gregory Hunt was lucky enough to witness the amazing display when he was walking with his camera in the Welsh countryside in May of this year.
He captured the brief moment when the birds swept across the setting sun in formation before shifting shapes.

The mesmeric murmuration disbanded into streams, waves and clouds.

The birds flock together against the backdrop of the setting sun




The birds flock together against the backdrop of the setting sun
The dramatic displays will cease over the summer months as the birds pair off and look for suitable nesting grounds
The dramatic displays will cease over the summer months as the birds pair off and look for suitable nesting grounds

With hungry predators hovering nearby, the birds must converge, flocking together, in an attempt to confuse the sparrowhawks, buzzards and peregrine falcons.
Scientists have discovered the secret behind their amazing spatial awareness.
Each starling tracks seven other birds - irrespective of distance - which produces the group's aerial ballet.
Eventually, in spring, birds pair off and look for suitable nesting grounds.
They will not regroup until September, when their amazing daily display will begin again.
After taking the shape of a twister the birds morphed into a variety of formations
After taking the shape of a twister the birds morphed into a variety of formations

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2143051/Winged-whirlwind-Starlings-dramatic-tornado-formation-thousands-gather-setting-sun.html#ixzz1vpHKyoOc

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