*dances* The CHRISTMAS BIRDS are here. *grin*

Yes they are and I'm so excited. I actually saw them the first time a couple of weeks ago but this is their first visit enmasse to Cheers. When they do come it's a magical sight. So much so that I ran out and got this video of them in joyous flight.



and some pictures for those of you who can't see the video.

 

It's impossible to capture with my little camera the acrobatic agility these little birds  display.

Nor is it possible to show you the sheer numbers in each flight of swallows. Each flock likely mumbers in the thousands, while I was videoing these swallows another, larger portion of the flight was swarming in the distance in a tall cylindrical column. They fly so swift and gracefully that if you didn't know, you would think they were a swarm of bees. Their navigational skills astound me and lighten my heart.

Oh, they make me want to fly with them.

Now, for a little bird fun:


Each Bird has traditionally had a collective name for when travelling together

Here are some of them

A Congress of Ravens (how fitting for opportunistic carrion eaters)
A Company of Parrots
A Flight of Swallows
A Bevy of Quail
A Chattering of Starlings
A Charm of Hummingbirds
An Exaltation of Larks
A Murder of Crows
A Bouquet of Phesants
A Watch of Nightingales
 A Mustering of Storks
A Parliament of Owls
Tidings of Magpies
A Cauldron of Raptors

and finally,
An Ostentation of Peacocks.