Murmuration - Sophie Clive and Liberty Smith

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Two tourist ladies, Sophie Windsor Clive Smith and Liberty, could not believe their eyes when they saw a mass formation of starlings during their canoe trip on the Lough Derg in Ireland, that put up spectacular show. The rainy holiday was suddenly a lot more enjoyable. The movie they made, is now an internet hit.
The reason why the starlings are flying together in such large numbers has to do with their sense of security, which is reinforced by moving in large groups. Ornithologist Paul Stancliffe from The Telegraph says: "Not one of them wants to drop out of the group. Or hit the ground first or land
on a branch."

According to Stancliffe the spectacle provided by the starlings was one of the most impressive, but also one of the most underestimated natural impressions: "Each bird tries to fly close to its neighbour and copies any change whatsoever immediately. A minor change will ultimately show a great sparkling image. "According to the ornithologist, their number can be up to one million starlings.

In the spring such a starling show has been observed in the Dutch city of Utrecht. What Sophie and Liberty got to see you can see from 0:24. You can hear the women regularly make sighs of amazement during the show. And watch the look of one of them afterwards.