Written by Tim BirdFunctional support person
Tim BirdAs the sun sets over the vast moors, more than a million starlings undulate and mesmerize. But how exactly they do it remains a mystery.
This humble starling, with its mottled green glossy plumage, is quite handsome when seen individually. But when flocks of birds coalesce in a gigantic, synchronized aerial dance, these tiny creatures create a spectacular, if mysterious, wonder of nature: a buzz.
Every spring and autumn, the sun sets over the vast wetlands in and around southwestern Denmark. Wadden Sea National Park, 1.5 million migratory starlings swoop down and soar all at once, seemingly spontaneously dancing like waves. When the birds inflate together, the sound of their feathers stirring in unison resembles the sound of a rushing waterfall, and forms a cloud-like shape so dark and dense that it is locally called Masu. sort solor “Black Sun.”
Starlings have fascinated humans for as long as anyone can remember. The ancient Romans believed that its undulating patterns indicated changes in the gods’ moods. In Celtic mythology, starlings were associated with Brigid, the goddess of healing and fertility. It is now generally known why the starling, which has fascinated us for thousands of years with her shape-shifting abilities, sinks, rises and swirls all at once. but, There is no definitive explanation yet for how They manage to achieve these seemingly choreographed patterns.
In recent years, chirping starlings have been spotted in many places, including southern England. brighton pier, California’s San Francisco Bay Area and center of rome. However, the vast horizons of the wetlands of southern Jutland and the Wadden Sea coast of Denmark The world’s largest uninterrupted intertidal sand and tidal flat systemoffers a unique 360-degree perspective for both experienced birdwatchers and casual visitors.
Tim BirdAt dusk on a cloudy, chilly day in late October, I followed Jesper Danneborg Voss, a cheerful local nature guide. Sort your safarito the embankment. Tondermarken A wetland near the German border. As Mr. Vos crouched down next to the embankment and waited patiently for the spectacle to begin, he could not help himself. As the fading sun disappeared behind the clouds, a huge flock of about 600,000 starlings appeared from all directions among the reeds by the lake. Birds descended and came within 20 meters of where we were sitting, creating a deafening cacophony of chirps and flapping wings. Then it rose sharply and then descended again.
As Voss and I watched the birds descend to roost, he explained why starlings gather twice a year. “The birds [spend] They spend their summers in Finland, Sweden and Siberia, and when it gets cold and the ground starts to freeze, they start migrating south and stop here because the conditions are great. They stay here for a month or two, then fly south to Belgium and England, then fly north again in the spring to congregate here again. ”
Tim BirdVoss says this corner of southwestern Denmark is rich in snails, grubs and fallen fruit, making it an ideal temporary home for starlings. The tall reeds of the bog also provide perfect nighttime shelter for birds, protecting them from natural predators such as hawks, kites and foxes. “The birds sleep in a vertical position holding onto reed stalks, with up to five birds per stalk,” Danneborg-Voss said. “Heart rhythm slows down and he relaxes. He is two meters above the water, comfortably warm and close to each other. According to thermal images, even if the outside temperature is quite low, the body temperature of starlings at night is It turned out to be 31 degrees.”
Tim BirdAs the sun begins to rise, the starlings depart from their chosen resting spots in a sudden large and noisy commotion and disperse across the moor to feed in small groups, observing their choices from the roofs of barns. Often. In the evening, the birds begin to gather again, appearing like small columns of smoke on the horizon, then joining forces and descending in larger flocks. Some of the first arrivals are looking for the perfect roosting spot for the next night. When a predator is discovered, the birds again undergo a beautiful spontaneous formation, and a rustle ensues.
Tim BirdScientists have recently Research the secrets behind these geological formations In detail. How starlings coordinate their calls and communicate with each other internally remains a mystery, but many experts believe that the reason why starlings move as a single integrated organism is I think it has something to do with safety in numbers. As Voss explained, predators are confused by its changing shape, and its density makes it difficult for hawks, kites and eagles to identify individual victims. Some zoologists believe that starlings’ aerial ballet signals them to gather in flocks to roost in advance of cold nights, helping them stay warm at night.
Tim BirdIn addition to their eye-catching songs, starlings have an uncanny ability to imitate sounds. Roman Emperor Nero is said to have had a pet starling that could speak both Greek and Latin. Composer Mozart kept starlings in a cage next to his piano, perhaps inspired by their choral talent.
Tim BirdLike any natural sight, such as seeing the Northern Lights, witnessing a volcanic eruption, or witnessing a rare animal, experiencing a buzz isn’t always something to take for granted. The surrounding wetlands and embankments are Tondermarken Wetlands, and even areas across the German border, are also popular roosting sites for starlings and are a great place to observe babbling streams. September and October are the best seasons for autumn leaves. With delicious restaurants and accommodation options, the towns of Khojer and Tonder are perfect bases for exploring the great outdoors. Wadden Sea National Park.chateau style Hotel SchackenborgA particularly elegant option located approximately 3 km west of Tonder. But to increase your chances of seeing the formation, it helps to hire a professional guide like Voss, who closely monitors bird behavior.
Tim BirdTourists come from all over Denmark, Germany, France and the Netherlands to catch a glimpse of Southern Jutland’s dramatic twice-yearly bird show, but not everyone admires the starling mass migration. there is no. These birds regularly come to local cattle stations, sometimes in the hundreds or even thousands, to feed on the cow feed left by farmers. Rome attracts up to 4 million starlings that migrate south to Africa each winter, but the starlings produce a huge amount of feces, creating a safety risk, so one man tried to do so. Swarm millions of animals with lasers.
Tim BirdWadden Sea National Park is UNESCO World Heritage Site Not only starlings but also a wide variety of other birds live there. Large flocks of barnacles and graylag geese gather here in winter, and peregrine falcons, herons, swans and lapwings are also common. wadden sea centeris located near the town of Ribe and provides a great introduction to the range of wildlife in the area. They include excellent presentations and exhibits on all aspects of the unusual behavior of babbling and starlings, placing it within the wider context of the region’s unique environment. The museum is also a great place to get local guides and tips on the best viewing spots.
Tim BirdThere is great drama in the wide, flat landscapes of this part of Denmark.it is perfectly suitable bicycle exploration It is located between the picturesque towns of Højer and Tønder. “This part of Denmark is very inspiring,” said the artist and weaver. Hanne Sonnichsen. As we sit near her loom in her showroom and studio in Khojer, she shows us a scarf she designed inspired by the Black Sun. She said: “It reminds us of the greatness of nature.The dancing starlings are visually impressive, but so are the wonderful voices of the birds. [as is] The sudden silence that follows as they settle into their roost. There are many other birds. On my morning walk, I hear the sounds of geese and swans, but sometimes I also hear other sounds, something new. I think it’s easier to breathe. Stretch your eyes here, we say. ”
BBC Travel with photos is a series showcasing amazing images from around the world.
—
Join over 3 million BBC Travel fans by liking Facebookor follow us twitter and Instagram.
If you liked this story, Sign up for the Essential List newsletter – Hand-picked features, videos and can’t-miss news delivered to your inbox every Friday.