THE BOOK OF MIGRATORY BIRDS 1 03 



that the starlings had left to grope their way to the roost- 

 ing trees, where thousands of their fellows had already 

 arrived. 



The manner of finally jumping off is as striking and 

 methodical as their arrival at the roosting destination. 

 That the birds regulate the order of their going by some 

 mysterious signal or understanding can hardly be 

 doubted. It stands to reason that the vast gathering of 

 birds could not well fly off simultaneously and drop amonr 

 the chosen trees with a certainty of each bird finding a 

 safe perch on which to alight. The probability is that if 

 they were to attempt to do so there would be general con- 

 fusion in the ranks, if not accidents. It is not unreason- 

 able to assume that the birds are aware of these risks, and 

 accordingly take measures to avoid them. Even as it is, 

 when the larger contingents arrive some of the birds 

 seem to get uncomfortable positions, and wander about 

 until they can find a suitable perch. 



It is a fine sight to see the various contingents leave the 

 tall trees at Fenham for the Leazes trees. Each flock in 

 turn starts as by word of command, flying at a great 

 height, constantly changing formation, each bird to all 

 appearance equi-distant from its neighbours. The birds 

 come along so quickly that on reaching home they are 

 bound to hover for a second before making their headlong 

 plunge into the roosting trees. Some of them seem to 

 commence the descent almost before their little bodies have 

 lost momentum, with the result that they tumble and 

 turn, gathering their wings for the final drop, plummet- 

 like, among the branches. It takes the birds a consider- 

 able time to settle down, and the chatter is louder now 

 than before, as the feathered folk are close at hand, and 

 are spread over a smaller area. 



As soon as daylight comes the starlings return to the 

 fields, but their manner of leaving the roosting trees is 

 quite different from their arrival. All the birds now are 

 hungry, and it is a case of go-as-you-please. There is no 

 company dodging and manoeuvring. The starlings take 



