2/16/2006: Migrating starlings at sunset - Page 2

chrisinhouston · 02-18-2006, 08:51 AM

I've often thought how much birds flying in formations like this resemble large schools of fish under water, they all move and turn at a moment's notice. While many birds like waterfowl fly in a V formation with a lead bird one has to wonder if these huge flocks have a leader or are they just flying by "the Force". I mean, it's pretty amazing that a couple of 1000 birds are all buzzing along and then turn on a dime and head off in another direction. Must be quite a rush!

Over the years of living in the gulf coast region I've done a fair share of waterfowl hunting. Many times while lying in wait in a field of cut rice completely hidden in a camoflage I've had flocks of sparrows or starlings and others fly like this all around me ofen just a few feet above the ground if they are looking for a place to land and feed. It's a really amazing experiece, the sound of thier wings, sometimes you can even feel the wind as they all rush by.

xoxoxoBruce · 02-18-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

While many birds like waterfowl fly in a V formation with a lead bird one has to wonder if these huge flocks have a leader

No, when the lead bird gets tired it'll break off and another bird will move up. The reason they fly in a V is it's easier, like dolphins riding a ships bow wave. The leader is breaking the trail and the rest sort of like drafting.

National Wildlife magazine claimed recently, scientists had determined the birds on the outside turn the flock by moving in and making the one next to in move in domino style. Pretty hard to tell, guess that's why it took them thousands of years to figure it out.

wolf · 02-18-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elspode

The photo content alone would give most sysops a headache.

It gives the readers a headache, and occasionally seizures. A lot of the damn things are animated.

Look at any thread on this board. Fair warning ... it can be scary at times. They also suffer from smiley bloat, which makes them a good source for new suggestions.

xoxoxoBruce · 02-18-2006, 11:18 AM

Pssst...wrong thread.

BigV · 02-18-2006, 12:06 PM

Pssst...busted link, please edit.

jinx · 02-18-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

No, when the lead bird gets tired it'll break off and another bird will move up. The reason they fly in a V is it's easier, like dolphins riding a ships bow wave. The leader is breaking the trail and the rest sort of like drafting.

Ah, but do you know why one side of the V is longer than the other?

zippyt · 02-18-2006, 01:22 PM

because some birds are Left winged !!!

xoxoxoBruce · 02-18-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinx

Ah, but do you know why one side of the V is longer than the other?

No, why?

jinx · 02-18-2006, 02:36 PM

More birds.

xoxoxoBruce · 02-18-2006, 05:39 PM

Ba dump bump....and now ladies and germs....

milkfish · 02-18-2006, 06:11 PM

Which one's Clarice?

Beestie · 02-18-2006, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elspode

The photo content alone would give most sysops a headache.

Not to mention those god-forsaken image sigs.

wolf · 02-19-2006, 12:55 PM

Look at any thread on this board. Fair warning ... it can be scary at times.

I was past the editing deadline, so I had to redo this.

Happy Monkey · 02-19-2006, 06:39 PM

Gah!

wolf · 02-19-2006, 08:27 PM

That's pretty low key. Neither the avatar or the sig is animated, well, except for the dancing smiley bananas.

More typical (two rotating banners, two blinky marquis thingies, and a couple of other minor animations).

worse (Click at your own risk).

02-18-2006, 11:18 AM	#19
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Pssst...wrong thread. __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

02-18-2006, 12:06 PM	#20
BigV Goon Squad Leader Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 27,063	Pssst...busted link, please edit. __________________ Be Just and Fear Not.

02-18-2006, 01:22 PM	#22
zippyt LONG LIVE KING ZIPPY! per Feetz Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arkansas Posts: 7,661	because some birds are Left winged !!! __________________ "Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get. " Brother Dave Gardner

02-18-2006, 02:36 PM	#24
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	More birds. __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

02-18-2006, 05:39 PM	#25
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Ba dump bump....and now ladies and germs.... __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

02-18-2006, 08:51 AM	#16
chrisinhouston Professor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Houston TX Posts: 1,857	I've often thought how much birds flying in formations like this resemble large schools of fish under water, they all move and turn at a moment's notice. While many birds like waterfowl fly in a V formation with a lead bird one has to wonder if these huge flocks have a leader or are they just flying by "the Force". I mean, it's pretty amazing that a couple of 1000 birds are all buzzing along and then turn on a dime and head off in another direction. Must be quite a rush! Over the years of living in the gulf coast region I've done a fair share of waterfowl hunting. Many times while lying in wait in a field of cut rice completely hidden in a camoflage I've had flocks of sparrows or starlings and others fly like this all around me ofen just a few feet above the ground if they are looking for a place to land and feed. It's a really amazing experiece, the sound of thier wings, sometimes you can even feel the wind as they all rush by.

02-18-2006, 06:11 PM	#26
milkfish A serene breakdown Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern NJ, USA Posts: 266	Which one's Clarice?

02-19-2006, 12:55 PM	#28
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	Look at any thread on this board. Fair warning ... it can be scary at times. I was past the editing deadline, so I had to redo this. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

02-19-2006, 06:39 PM	#29
Happy Monkey I think this line's mostly filler. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DC Posts: 13,575	Gah! __________________ _________________ \|...............\| We live in the nick of times. \| Len 17, Wid 3 \| \|_______________\| [pics]

02-19-2006, 08:27 PM	#30
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	That's pretty low key. Neither the avatar or the sig is animated, well, except for the dancing smiley bananas. More typical (two rotating banners, two blinky marquis thingies, and a couple of other minor animations). worse (Click at your own risk). __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

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