One of the fun things about knowing so little about birds is that I frequently have the opportunity to “discover” the obvious. (Those who know a bit about my travel photography may recognize that pattern from some of my travel stories.) For years I have wished that we had the European starlings that produce the remarkable “murmuration” flock behavior that you may have seen in videos. And now I find that these birds are here. Experienced birders are welcome to laugh at my ignorance — I’m laughing, too!
I came upon this one when I stopped along a Central Valley back road to marvel at and photograph trees full of trim-colored blackbirds. I put on the long lens and began to make pictures, and I soon realized that there were other birds mixed into the group, too. This European starling was close to the blackbirds, but just enough off to the side to indicate its independence. (Note: As a veteran non-birder, I’m totally prepared for someone to tell me I have misidentified it!)
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.
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