In Jutland, an area in Denmark on the border with Germany, tourists come to see the phenomenon of the “black sun” or sort sol in Danish, when thousands of starlings huddle in the sky into large balls that obscure the sun.
About an hour before dark, small birds begin to gather in the sky. First, the score goes to tens, then to hundreds, and then a giant black cloud covers half the sky.
Scientists don’t know exactly why birds flock together. Perhaps this is due to the fact that starlings are short-sighted. They see edible beetles and grains well, but poorly – birds of prey flying in the distance. And guided by a kind of “collective mind”, it is more convenient for them to choose a place to spend the night, which should be safe.
Predators are one of the main concerns of migratory starlings. Often, more predatory birds strive to get into the thick of the flock in order to grab easy prey.
And when this happens, the “Black Sun” of Denmark comes into a commotion, gradually changing its structure and shape. Community members begin a defensive operation.
Even belching and droppings are used, which starlings direct directly at the head of the enemy. The feathers of a bird of prey stick together and it falls down.
Externally, the phenomenon of the “Black Sun” looks like a giant black cloud moving in a chaotic manner. Predicting the trajectory of its flight is almost impossible.
A flock, consisting of hundreds of thousands of individuals of these birds, literally soars above the ground in search of the most favorable place to spend the night.
The visual impression of the seen “dance” of the flock is almost impossible to convey in words.
The best time for observation is spring, from early March to mid-April, and from late August to early October. This amazing natural phenomenon continues for several weeks.
The best time of day to watch is an hour before sunrise or in the evening. When planning a trip, lay a few days on the “hunt for the black sun”, as it is not always possible to see dancing starlings the first time.
The best places for observation:
- in Denmark, the cities of Ribe, Skærbæk and Tønder. It is best to stay in Ribe, this is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Denmark.
- in Germany – Afentoft.
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