6 March 2026
One of the great joys of winter is to see murmurations of starlings wheeling at dusk. Their tightly packed flocks are often captured in photos and videos for us to enjoy at any time of year.
There are many ways to view the results: still shots (above), typical video (below), and two special video techniques.
Dr Kathryn Cooper used a Victorian era technique called “chronophotography” in this video she posted on Instagram in January 2026. See the BBC’s longer video with her explanations.
Dennis Hlynsky’s video from November 2011 uses “extended moment photography.”
Described as extended moment photography the technique is not considered time-lapse film where time is condensed… flowers blooming, fruit rotting, city waking up… that sort of thing. This recording plays at real time speed. The footage is processed to extend the moment captured to show trails of where the animal has been / will be.
— Dennis Hlynsky description on his “data in data out” video
Now that spring is here the winter flocks of starlings have broken up to claim territory and breed. We will have to wait for November to see murmurations “live” again.