Migration Mysteries

A lot of research has been carried out in recent years on the subject of bird migration. Much more is known about it but it's fair to say not all the mysteries have been solved. I like it that way. Knowing all about everything is another way of feeding humanity's arrogance.

This morning determined flocks of smaller birds were heading westward. Two days ago geese were flying eastwards.

Every morning the regular traffic of jackdaws heads to their western feeding grounds after roosting in the woods on this side of Sheffield. Everyone who ever looks upwards knows about this but most ignore it not giving it a second thought. But to me it's one of the great wildlife phenomena of the region with a particular beauty that never fails to move me; I could watch it for hours. indeed the numbers of birds involved mean it goes on most mornings for over an hour, some groups being as large as several score.  A major part of the appeal is the way each bird obstinately remains an individual refusing to group in a formation as with other birds while clearly wishing to stick together sharing a common goal.

This can be seen clearly in still photos showing each bird's silhouette distinguished from the others and its position in the group casually chosen to signal its independence. These creatures would not do well in Animal Farm or North Korea.