I've only heard of this with whales/dolphins.berkeman said:schools of fish
I think it just looks as if they lost their way on follow the leader ( there isn't one ) en mass, and some of them hit hard and stunned. A miscalculation like when you stub your tow, or stumble on a crack on the sidewalk.berkeman said:So are there any ideas what happened? Flocks of birds and schools of fish often behave like this, but you would think that birds would have a clue where the ground was...
There are several possible causes for this behavior. One possibility is that the birds were startled or spooked by a predator, loud noise, or other disturbance. Another possibility is that the birds were disoriented by weather conditions such as fog or strong winds. Additionally, the birds could have been following a leader who made a mistake in navigation, leading the whole flock into danger.
When a large number of birds fly into the ground, there is a high risk of collisions and injuries due to the sheer number of birds. Additionally, birds may collide with obstacles or structures on the ground, causing further injuries. The impact of a bird hitting the ground or an object at high speeds can be fatal or result in serious injuries.
Birds flying into the ground is not a common behavior, but it can occur in certain situations. Some species of birds, such as starlings, are known for forming large flocks that can exhibit this behavior. However, it is not a natural or normal behavior for birds to fly into the ground in large numbers.
Preventing birds from flying into the ground can be challenging, as it often depends on the specific cause of the behavior. In some cases, measures can be taken to reduce potential disturbances, such as avoiding loud noises or keeping predators away from the area. Additionally, structures or obstacles that may pose a risk to birds can be modified or removed. However, it is important to note that preventing this behavior entirely may not always be possible.
In some cases, a large flock of birds flying into the ground could be an indication of a larger issue or environmental problem. For example, if the birds were disoriented due to fog or other weather conditions, it could be a sign of changing climate patterns. Similarly, if the birds were spooked by a loud noise, it could indicate that they are becoming more sensitive to human activity in their environment. It is important to investigate the cause of the event and consider potential underlying issues that may need to be addressed.