'In a fleeting moment': The background of the widely shared avian image
In an interview via Zoom, photographer James Crombie, known for his work in sports like rugby and hurling, admitted that he never had time for wildlife until the pandemic altered his usual schedule. With major events halted, Crombie found himself at a loose end and accepted an invitation from a grieving friend to visit Lough Ennell in Ireland to observe murmurations, the mesmerizing display of starlings in flight.
Lacking anyspecific expectations, Crombie caught on to the rhythm of these events, returning to the lake regularly with his camera. Capturing a rare split second, he managed to photograph a murmuration resembling a bare-branched tree's leafy crown on the lakeshore. His friend's video footage captured an even more astounding moment - thousands of starlings momentarily forming what appeared to be a winged bird shape. Crombie swiftly realized he'd captured something special, and his stunning image went viral, appearing across various mediums and locations.
The experience had a significant impact on Crombie's career, eventually leading him to publish a book of starling images titled "Murmurations." His obsession with capturing these mysterious bird flocks consumed his time and energy, and he even began shooting wildlife full-time. For four years, he amassed a half-million photographs – a hobby he considers more productive than, say, drinking at the pub or playing golf.
While starlings form murmurations for reasons scientists still haven't entirely figured out, the events are thought to serve collective protection against predators such as falcons. Audiences marvel at the intricate coordination and social behavior within flocks of tens of thousands of birds, as they simultaneously adjust their directions, speeds, and distances based on subtle cues from their neighbors.
Though Crombie's personal circumstances changed after his friend's recovery, he remains committed to capturing these mesmerizing displays at Lough Ennell. "There could be a lot worse ways to spend two hours in the evening," said Crombie, whose viral image continues to reshape our understanding of starlings and their astonishing flights of coordination and harmony.
After transitioning his focus to wildlife due to the pandemic, James Crombie discovered a newfound appreciation for the arts in capturing the stylish movements of starlings during murmurations. His dedication to documenting these natural phenomena led him to incorporate starlings into his own art, eventually publishing a book titled 'Murmurations'. Driven by his passion, Crombie now frequently uses his camera, capturing starlings in various unexplored styles, showcasing their unique Dance in the sky using a Crombie's perspective.
