Do starlings follow the leader?

[LDunlop76]

We've talked before about the interesting flight patterns starlings make when they come in to roost. Now there's been research into how this happens:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/31/wildlife.conservation

[noel]

I wonder if that's how Sardines do it too. Makes it easier to get them in the tin I suppose.

[Spitfire]

I doubt if we`ll ever know the answer. How can they call it `bird-brained` when they migrate to a different continent and locate the same branch on the same tree each year? And we talk about sat-nav.

[David]

I wonder what they do if the tree has been pruned of has been felled ? Perhaps a smoothing voice kicks and says "Recalculating" as my Sat-Nav does if I make a different turn than was first advised ? []
But it is a miracle of nature how both birds and fish that flock or swim together in their thousands manage to avoid each other.

[LDunlop76]

quote:

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Originally posted by Spitfire

I doubt if we`ll ever know the answer. How can they call it `bird-brained` when they migrate to a different continent and locate the same branch on the same tree each year? And we talk about sat-nav.

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I read something about homing pigeons a while back which said they follow the road net work to find their way home.
Ah... here's a similar article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3460977.stm

[Spitfire]

Linda, A very imformative artical and one that cannot be argued with, juging by the sophisticated GPS equipment they used in the survey.
One question however (not directed at you - obviously). When hundreds of pigeons are sent to France, in baskets aboard a truck, how do they then find their way home? Obviously in this case they have no route to remember.

[David]

They use the chunnel Jim. []

[LDunlop76]

quote:

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Originally posted by Spitfire

When hundreds of pigeons are sent to France, in baskets aboard a truck, how do they then find their way home? Obviously in this case they have no route to remember.

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From the BBC new article:
Dr Guilford said pigeons' used their ability to navigate by the Sun when they were over unfamiliar territory.
I guess that's your answer, Jim. []

[Spitfire]

David, As they go be road, they`ll probibly remember the tunnel!!!!

Linda, Doesn`t sound like much of an answer to me[]. They go abroad in a basket then suddenly see the sun - so what? Do thet fly towards it, away from it, right or left? I think that Dr. Guilford is guessing.[]

[David]

Next question....Why do lemmings commit suicide ?