Large flocks of grackles are moving through town right now. They come every year at about this time, stay for about a month or so, and then disperse to parts unknown. Every evening, large flocks circle the tall buildings downtown looking for places to roost for the night. They dive into the trees in Krutch Park and Market Square until the branches are seething with birds jostling for a perch. I love to watch this chaos theory in action as the flocks swoop and dive in their ancient aerial ballet. Many people are concerned about the mess all these birds leave on the sidewalks under the trees. I agree, don't walk under those trees without at least an open umbrella protecting your head from droppings.
But you know, it could be worse. They could be flying monkeys instead.
But you know, it could be worse. They could be flying monkeys instead.
12 comments:
Have you seen the movie Birds? I think I saw it when I was too impressionable and the whole idea freaks me out. I'm not sure I could handle the grackle without some sort of breakdown...
BTW, loved your 'between a stalk and a hard place' comment on my snail post the other day.
Please excuse my cut and paste this morning. . . I have been up to my ears with school work, so commenting has been at a premium lately. I did want you to know I stopped by, though!
That's very interesting Knoxville. Birds are pretty amazing creatures. I can barely walk next to someone without bumping into them,lol.
I recognize that bank, ha, that was my bank in Georgia, but we don't have them here.
Z, I used to love that movie Birds as a kid, although it would really freak me out,lol, especially the part where that lady is laying next to her bed with her eyes pecked out. I haven't seen it in ages, but that image won't leave me alone!
Or flying elephants with dysentery.
Interesting about the grackles. Where are they coming from and where do they go after the month they spend in Knoxville?
Cool, kinda creepy images today!
Interesting about the chaos theory and this photo. Though I guess it really isn't the same thing, perhaps by flying over the bank like this, these birds foretell the poor state of the US economy.
These are very captivating photos.
Great shots. You must have hundreds of birds passing through. One bird dropping landing on you is meant to mean good luck, but all of that s**t? You'd be killed!
Following on your post yesterday, the New York Times deemed Willits to be "manure flecked", and your post today indicates a sort of kinship in that regard. Stand proud!
I think grackles are like our jackdaws. We have them in our garden, but not this Hitchcosk amount. Flying monkies, oh no. They still scare the crap out of me whenever I watch The Wiazrd Of Oz!
Z & Tanya - The Birds still gives me a good scare.
B - but the flying monkeys are still worse.
Chris - thanks, hope you get your school work finished
Ben - think big, I always say!
Laurie - we have grackles all year round, but their compadres migrate from the north this time of year and add to the population. I guess they spread out around the south.
Bibi - the economy is pretty poopy right now
Marley - I must be the luckiest woman in the world then.
Elaine - next time the NYT is in town, I'll direct them to stand under a tree and say "greetings from Willits" That'll larn 'em to be smartasses.
Thanks for all you fine comments - I promise tomorrow I won't mention porta-potties or bird poop.
Last night after reading this post and making my comment I went downtown to take some photos (what else?). So, anyway, I was riding along on my bicycle when I felt this smash/splash on my arm like someone threw a bucket of paint on me and heard a bunch of passing seagulls screaming with delight. I was in traffic so I couldn't stop to wipe it off and it was dripping down onto my trousers and shoe. Anyway it strikes me as more than a mere coincidence so I hope you'll stop whatever it is that caused this. Thank you. And I notice that the word verification I am being asked to retype for this comment is "uloooz" so what is going on here anyway?
Visiting your blog is just like going to the encyclopedia. Its a cool way of learning new things. Love how you captured those flying grackles.
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