The sight of a flock of birds turning and wheeling in perfect formation is not an uncommon one, but a sky completely blanketed with such flocks can strike fear into the stoutest of dwarves (man and beast too, of course). The sight of these flocks is a daily occurrence here in Rome; they can be seen around sunset every day going absolutely crazy, generally over the Tiber and the land on either bank. For a solid hour each day, these birds – no one is entirely sure the species or the precise reason for their emergent maneuvering – fly maddening circles around the sky.
Just today we were crossing the river on the Ponte Sisto returning from class, and overhead we were met with a blue and red sky partially blotted out by these birds. I couldn’t help thinking of the Hitchcock film (and thus ran from every tall blonde in the vicinity), and some of us were concerned that this sight may herald the end of the world as we know it. Since they’ve been doing this every day for a month or so, I think the threat of the apocalypse is pretty remote, but their appearance is nonetheless quite disconcerting. It seems unnatural for animals to cut and turn with such precision. Only imperial storm troopers are so precise, I thought.
This is a video from the Ponte Sisto, looking north. At one point you can see the dome of St. Peter’s in the distance. As strange as this sight looks on the video, trust me when I say that it is ten to the nth power more impressive and scarier in real life.
For your viewing enjoyment, scroll down a bit...
Also, what are birds? (+5 pts for a positive ID of this reference)
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2 comments:
Justin, I shared your photos with a fellow birder, and we both agree (based on very limited evidence) that your birds are starlings. They are particularly unattractive individually, but the do swarm in the patterns you have observed.
Not bad article, but I really miss that you didn't express your opinion, but ok you just have different approach
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