An exaltation of Starlings

Here forming a murmeration. A flock which is so well defined it seems to create a cloud or super organism that move together in perfect syncronisity. In my oppinion it is one of the most beutiful sights that nature has to offer.

Romes Problem with starlings

Since the 1920's large flocks of starlings have been ariving in Rome between October and February. These flocks can be up to 10 million.

Such a murmeration can produce 7 tons of Guano in one night.

Geese prepare to migrate

An almost uncountable number of Geese prepare to migrate. Like most swarming creatures they never seem to colide.

On Bass rock Cormarants for a Colony

Bass Rock is not white, the bodies of 120,000 birds that are crowded onto its surface and make it appear so. Later in the year they will migrate as far as West Africa with their young only to return next year to Bass Rock.

Lake Flies on lake Victoria

These are the largest swarm on earth in terms of the amount of organisms that form them. Once a mounth in response to the new moon the lake flies rise forminf columns composed of about a Trillion insects.

Lake Flies breed on land

The huge swarm comes on land to breed. For the local population it is a supliment to their diet.

Apparently a hamburger sized piece if Lake Fliy burger has 7 times the protien.