Starlings - Sturnus vulgaris
Strangely these wonderful birds accompanied me throughout my academic life. Moving up north, whilst at agricultural college I studied a geology unit at Sunderland Uni and there they were, high above the city. Beguiling me with their shifting delusion or murmuration - group consciousness like schools of fish confusing predators, fascinating.
And later down south in the Eastend, studying Wildlife Conservation at UEL. Small numbers would roost in my rented back garden just off the Romford Road, imitating the constant din of police sirens, extraordinary.
Now in serious decline, a red listed species, another 'miner's canary'.
Now in serious decline, a red listed species, another 'miner's canary'.
