Synchronised Daws

The big display of Jackdaw murmurations can sometimes be seen in the mornings from about half an hour before sunrise. This is during the gathering just before they set out for the daily commute into Derbyshire. They have been roosting in and around Ecclesall Woods just below the eastern slopes of Blacka.  I've not so far captured a photograph of them at this point, but the exciting spectacle continues along the line of the A625 as they set off in groups of various sizes. Strong westerly winds add more drama as they near the top of the slope. At this point they can be seen moving as one as they dive down to hug the ground and avoid gusts. Sometimes this movement seems coordinated as if all birds are following the lead of one lead bird. As with swarms of insects and the better known starling murmurations it's impossible to tell just where the decision to move as one originates. But with these much larger birds there's an extra dimension because you sense that individual choice is being made with one or other birds on the edge of the flock pursuing a more solo role without ever leaving the group. It beats synchronised swimming any day.

Best of all is the daring game of chicken you can sometimes see near Stony Ridge when they swoop between commuting cars heading east towards the city.