Monday, April 20, 2020 Murmuration Musings

My husband and I went out to a county wilderness park near here on Saturday to take advantage of the wonderful spring weather and go for a hike. We’ve been to this park a couple times – it’s always been fairly deserted, but this time the parking lot was full. I guess everyone is getting cabin fever these days with perhaps a new appreciation for the Great Outdoors.

Right away, we saw an incredible formation of birds in the sky – the whole group moving as one. I’m thankful to have this photo because as soon as I took it, the bird-cloud disappeared behind the trees. Have you ever heard of a “murmuration” of starlings? Or perhaps seen some of the fantastic videos out there of them? If not, here’s a link you can follow to see some examples of this amazing phenomenon: https://youtu.be/QOGCSBh3kmM. (You didn’t really notice the importance of this event, but that’s the first time I’ve figured out how to put a link in this blog. I’m feeling very techno-wizard about this – hope it works when I publish this post).

I’m not sure if what we saw that day was a true murmuration of starlings – it certainly wasn’t as large as the ones you’ll see if you follow that link (and PLEASE do – you won’t regret it). It’s a sight that compels you to praise God – you can’t help it. Even atheists must feel a stirring inside their starving souls when observing what God hath wrought.

And guess what? I saw the first wildflowers of spring in that park that day – glory, glory, hallelujah!

The park was full of surprises, including a denizen of the woods that was taking some repose in the hollow of a tree:

And lastly, some cheerful rocks along the trail.

All in all, a grand day out. Spring in Minnesota can be short-lived and late in coming, but it is always a joy.

I’ll probably delete this in the morning. Don’t forget to follow the link (is this considered nagging, a helpful reminder, or just plain harassment?).