Breathtaking video and photographs of starling murmurations 5 years in the making

By AG STAFF May 9, 2022
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Starling murmurations are mesmerising. Watch them move as one in these captivating images and video.

Danish photographer Søren Solkær spent five years capturing the large starling murmurations that take place by the Wadden Sea in the marshlands of Southern Denmark (and further afield in Europe) every spring and autumn, before their migration.

According to Søren, they create one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.

“I was inspired by classical landscape painting, calligraphy and Japanese wood cuts when creating this series of images of the landscape and great flocks of starlings performing an unrivalled display of collaboration and performance skills,” he says.

BLACK SUN #75
Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Catalonia, Spain

“The starlings move as one unified organism that vigorously opposes any outside threat. A strong visual
expression is created – like that of an ink drawing or a calligraphic brush stroke – asserting itself against the sky. Shapes and black lines of condensation form within the swarm, resembling waves of interference or mathematical abstractions written across the horizon. The graphic and organic shapes of the starling murmurations range from meditative to highly dramatic as they perform their incredible ballet about life and death.”

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In Australia, the common starling has become a familiar sight around human habitation throughout the east and south-east of the country. It was introduced into Australia in the late 1850s through to 1870 and has become well established and is expanding its range. Flocks are often seen at dusk wheeling in large circles as they search for a roosting site for the night.

Søren is best known for his photographs of world icons in music, film and art, including; Björk, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Patti Smith, Pharrell Williams, Samuel L. Jackson and David Lynch. BLACK SUN is his latest project and lifetime passion.

You can see more of Søren’s extraordinary work at Nanda\Hobbs gallery, 25 May–11 June in Chippendale, Sydney.