I’m surprised that you don’t mention murmuration as one of the attributes of the starling. Their synchronized flight is one of the most alluring aspects of the species— one that has drawn many a city dweller into the world of birdwatching.
If I had to name a favorite bird, it would probably be the house sparrow. I love hearing them everywhere, including during some interviews on tv or radio with persons in Europe, or Asia, and hearing that cheeping in the background. As for drab looks, that’s pretty much all sparrows, isn’t it? (Don’t get mad.)
Thoughtful and thought-provoking, as always. One of the ironies is that the populations of both house sparrow and starling are now much reduced in the UK – whenever I come across a pocket of either species here in London, I rejoice.
A friend and colleague of mine, Kim Todd, wrote the "Sparrow" volume for the Reaktion book series about animals -- if you don't know about them, you might check out the series for hers as well as ones about other birds. I was disappointed to see that they are no longer producing them because I wanted to write one on roadrunners, possibly my favorite bird.
I’m surprised that you don’t mention murmuration as one of the attributes of the starling. Their synchronized flight is one of the most alluring aspects of the species— one that has drawn many a city dweller into the world of birdwatching.
Just found you on Twitter. Looking forward to reading and learning more.
If I had to name a favorite bird, it would probably be the house sparrow. I love hearing them everywhere, including during some interviews on tv or radio with persons in Europe, or Asia, and hearing that cheeping in the background. As for drab looks, that’s pretty much all sparrows, isn’t it? (Don’t get mad.)
Thoughtful and thought-provoking, as always. One of the ironies is that the populations of both house sparrow and starling are now much reduced in the UK – whenever I come across a pocket of either species here in London, I rejoice.
A beautiful, beautiful piece. Thanks!
A friend and colleague of mine, Kim Todd, wrote the "Sparrow" volume for the Reaktion book series about animals -- if you don't know about them, you might check out the series for hers as well as ones about other birds. I was disappointed to see that they are no longer producing them because I wanted to write one on roadrunners, possibly my favorite bird.