Starling Murmuration by Jen Prouty
Black & White Photography, a diptych split, 2- 16 x 20 inch prints, matted and framed
Artist Statement: I have long held a fascination with starlings. The chaotic beauty as they swarm in murmuration. Thousands of birds, coming together to dance upon the twilight sky. Swooping, shifting, diving. Contemporaneously, they bid adieu to the day in one grand performance.
Starlings are the only bird species who participate in this behavior, and the word murmuration comes from the quiet sound of the murmur of thousands of wings fluttering all at once.
Can you make out a large bird in the shape of their formation? Some scientists theorize they form these shapes to distract and confuse predators from attacking.
After years of studying these birds, I have finally discovered some of their local roosting sites. And so many evenings, as the sun sinks low, I head out with a cup of coffee and my camera to get lost in this frenzied performance.
The beauty, the quiet whoosh, the gentle air current as they sweep low over my head, it is a culmination of senses that leave me both calm and invigorated.
And every night, after the last bird dives down into the roost, I head for home with my heart filled and my soul renewed in a way I can't quite explain. It's magic. Pure magic.
*Psst...Everyone loves a good mystery. Hidden in this frame, is a separate series of 2 black and white prints from our first show, Retreat. They are not birds, but a beautiful set of two prints that are yours to keep if you choose to take this collection home with you.
For more on Jen Prouty's work:
Instagram @jenprouty and @theheartenedlife
