RARE PHENOMENON AS FLOCKS OF STARLINGS FORM BLACK CLOUDS OVER ISRAEL SKIES (JAN 29, 2013)

Scientists and amateur bird watchers gathered in an open field near the southern city of Netivot to watch the birds. The natural phenomenon, called 'murmuration', has become rare as starling populations have declined. Professor Yossi Leshem, director of the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration at Tel Aviv University, said the birds' synchronized movements are a way to communicate the location of food sources to other starling, as well create a defence mechanism against birds of prey. The spectacle lasted 20 minutes before dissipating.