A little something out of the ordinary for me today, but a summer event each year that captivates us. When the cherry tree next door is full of fruit, the canopied maple tree in our yard fills with starlings who gorge themselves and fill the yard with a sound that's not quite a song, but a happy chirping that becomes a din. They carry the cherries to the top of our tree, and there follows the steady plop of the cherry pits as they hit the deck! It's an annual event and there are literally hundreds of birds.
I went to youtube to see if anyone had left a video of their happy chatter, but instead, I found an amazing clip to share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnwBp0PcNrg (This is a perfect example of what Sue Roth suggested in her general discussion thread, "365-Get Involved and Learn-Photography and Much Much More".) Treat yourself to a beautiful visual about 3 minutes into this video. Having seen so many take flight from our yard, I can just imagine this phenomenal event.
beautiful capture, louise!! i have found it so difficult to get many good shots of the birds in our backyard, especially when they are in a leafy tree!! one of my favorite things to do is sit on my back porch with my coffee in the morning and listen to and watch the birds. such a beautiful show!!
This is amazing, Louise!! I watched the video and I am in awe! The straling are incredible and so are their formations! A beautiful photo and your commentary definitely taught me something!
Thank you so much for the birthday greetings!! I was so lucky to receive so many today, and you are right, they are never too many ;-) Thanks to the Internet I got in touch with all my family and friends, and this made for a wonderful day! My best friend who is in NY called me again - she'll probably be coming to see us in the new house very soon! We reconnected with her last year, after a couple of years of no communication at all (she lost my e-mail.) When I went to visit her last August, we had a blast! It was just like the old times ;-) Then, Jeremy made me a big surprise, and flew her in Saint Louis some months ago. She only stayed for the weekend, but we were able to show her around. I can't wait to see her again and celebrate my birthday with her! In a week from now, it will be your turn to blow the candles on the cake!!! ;-)) Do you have any special plans already? ;-)) Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my dear friend! ;-))
I was transfixed by the video. What a miraculous performance. Thank you for tracking it down and sharing it with us.
As for your starling visitors, doesn't your neighbor do anything to salvage cherries for his own use? It seems a shame that all you get are the pits and the stains.
There's great lighting in that photograph and your description means that we can hear with you the sound of summer! Wish you could have seen the sand martins yesterday - amazing display of flying but impossible for me to capture in a picture! I'm enjoying my quick visit to 365 every day - so glad there's access (at a small price) for an hour. It is amazing what you can do in an hour when you're focussed! Emails done. 365 picture added. blog done! And still twelve minutes to play!
I like starlings but it is a long story. I am thrilled to see them return each spring along with their cousins, the common grackles with the golden eyes. I feed them well and then when the babies are born and weaned, lol, they move on to somewhere else until next year.
I love this shot! How cool that they come to feast on your neighbor's tree each summer. I bet it's quite a sight! That video is really cool too... it's amazing how they move as a flock.
Nice picture & re the video;
i have seen starlings do this dance in Northern England quite a few times .. its amazing to see usually starts in October in our neck of the woods ....
This is such a beautiful shot, Louise! I love the play of light and shadow! And, what an amazing video clip! It makes me want to go and watch! Can you imagine seeing it every day?!!? (I'd NEVER get anything done - LOL!)
I see you have a birthday coming up - what day EXACTLY? And, I was looking for your birthday post from last spring (I thought I had FAV'ed it - could you point me in the right direction for that, as well?)
I looked at this and thought "well, this is different for my mama!" I like it alot. And I had no idea about the birds, the cherry tree or all the activity they bring. Thanks for continuing to share stories and educate us :)
Beautiful shot Louise!! Your photos always tell the most wonerful stories behind them. You really have a way with words that encourages people and inspires them. :)
And this is kind of off the subject, but I love how you speak life into people. The things you right are so good. It makes me want to just do my absolute best with photography and everything else. :)
I just finished watching the starling video...I have goosebumps. Thanks for turning us onto this fantastic video. What fun for you that you get to watch a min-version in your own (sort of) backyard. :-)
Jaw Dropping indeed. And...great photo, Louise. Also, your comments on my photos are always just perfect. Oh, how I love when you stop by for a visit. You are the neighbor everyone wants to chat with!
Hi. like to say that I enjoyed reading your story about the starlings eating the cherries and dropping the pits onto your deck. almost hilarious when you think about it. and the video is fantastic..I had seen it already before.. just wonderful to watch all those birds flying with so much grace through the air..just loved it. i have missed you commenting on my pictures. I know you are very busy but I still miss you all the same.
so glad you will get to see dill tomorrow!!
and i left you a little comment on the link you sent--wasn't sure if you would be 'alerted' or not since it was from a while back! (:
Thank you so much for the birthday greetings!! I was so lucky to receive so many today, and you are right, they are never too many ;-) Thanks to the Internet I got in touch with all my family and friends, and this made for a wonderful day! My best friend who is in NY called me again - she'll probably be coming to see us in the new house very soon! We reconnected with her last year, after a couple of years of no communication at all (she lost my e-mail.) When I went to visit her last August, we had a blast! It was just like the old times ;-) Then, Jeremy made me a big surprise, and flew her in Saint Louis some months ago. She only stayed for the weekend, but we were able to show her around. I can't wait to see her again and celebrate my birthday with her! In a week from now, it will be your turn to blow the candles on the cake!!! ;-)) Do you have any special plans already? ;-)) Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my dear friend! ;-))
And I love your photo as well - beautiful :)
As for your starling visitors, doesn't your neighbor do anything to salvage cherries for his own use? It seems a shame that all you get are the pits and the stains.
i have seen starlings do this dance in Northern England quite a few times .. its amazing to see usually starts in October in our neck of the woods ....
And this is kind of off the subject, but I love how you speak life into people. The things you right are so good. It makes me want to just do my absolute best with photography and everything else. :)
and i left you a little comment on the link you sent--wasn't sure if you would be 'alerted' or not since it was from a while back! (:
Goo shot!