![]() Covid hospitalizations climb, a chronic nursing shortage is worsening. 3 mins ago Liz Truss recreates Margaret Thatcher’s outfit ‘down to last detail’ at Tory leadership debate, Twitter users say.2 mins ago Ukraine war diaries: ‘The new reality has started’ – Kyiv resident concedes war could last for years.3 seconds ago URGENT: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze- Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) Due to levels of Lead.Whether it is for migrating, feeding, mate attraction or just sleeping at night, you can bet that the flockers have it all figured out. Chickadees are known to be very good at finding food. These feeding flocks can contain a dozen or so species but generally center around a specific group of birds (usually chickadees). It is common, especially a little later in fall, to find mixed foraging flocks. Not all flocks are comprised of the same species of birds. Hopefully everyone will get a chance to eat as well as watch for predators. The next time you get the chance to watch them, try to keep count of how many heads are up and how many are down eating at the same time. I like to watch a group of geese as they graze. Waterfowl species like the Canada Goose are famous for flocking. Pigeons are very adept fliers, but are no match for the claws and talons of hawks, falcons and eagles. I’ve seen old movies of thousands and thousands of grackle, red-winged blackbirds, cowbirds and others being killed in a split second in the name of “animal control.” This occurred regularly back in the 50s and 60s with much of it happening right here in the Midwest. I assist in the HMANA raptor bird count annually. The behavior is fascinating, but the noise and the mess are horrific. If you have ever been unfortunate enough to have one of these mass of feathers roost in a patch of trees near you, you know what I mean. The flocks that get the least favorable press are the giant blackbird flocks of fall and winter. The disadvantage is that the more visible you are, the more attention you draw to yourself. They can also confuse predators by suddenly splitting into several smaller groups and darting off in different directions. Have you ever watched a large flock move “as one big unit?” The larger you look, the less appealing you will be to a predator. Murmurations constantly change direction, flying up a few hundred feet, then zooming down to almost crash. If a predator comes along, there should be enough “bodies” to increase you chance of survival. The flock splits apart and fuses together again. ![]() If one finds food, hopefully there will be enough for everyone. The more eyes you have searching for food and predators, the better. The truth is that birds “flock” for many reason and each has its advantages. I know that I was taught at a young age, that the birds are gathering up to head south. Rather, each bird is following exactly the same set of rules. Late summer and fall is the time that we really begin to notice large groups of birds (flocks). The most colorful and creative flock names include: Birds of Prey (hawks, falcons): cast, cauldron, kettle Bobolinks: chain Budgerigars: chatter Buzzards: wake Cardinals: college, conclave, radiance, Vatican Catbirds: mewing Chickadees: banditry Chickens: peep Cormorants: flight, gulp, sunning, swim. The flocks that appear in this model are not created or led in any way by special leader birds.
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