This Artist Captured 20 Mesmerizing Photos That Turn Bird Migration Into A Work Of Art

The European starling migrates to the UK over the winter from colder northern European countries, and flocks gather in huge numbers at historic roost sites across the country. From November to March, they draw crowds of captivated visitors. The artist and scientist Kathryn Cooper has spent the past eight years capturing them in her stop-motion pictures.Using a unique technique called chronophotography, Kathryn creates stunning images of migrating birds. She takes multiple photos over time and then blends them into a single composite image. This method captures the movement patterns of the birds, showing their flight paths in a way the human eye can’t normally see.More info:kathryncooperwildlife.com|Instagram|FacebookThis post may includeaffiliate links.

Using a unique technique called chronophotography, Kathryn creates stunning images of migrating birds. She takes multiple photos over time and then blends them into a single composite image. This method captures the movement patterns of the birds, showing their flight paths in a way the human eye can’t normally see.

More info:kathryncooperwildlife.com|Instagram|Facebook

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Migrating birds forming intricate patterns in the sky, captured by Kathryn Cooper.

Here’s what Kathryn Cooper herself had to say about the project: “Just before nightfall the birds arrive from their daytime feeding grounds. During the day they disperse into the fields to feed and return as small flocks, which then funnel together into progressively larger groups along flight lines towards the roost.If you are blessed with good luck, at dusk, starlings murmurate over their chosen roost site. Their fantastic aerial displays appear almost choreographed, with patterns emerging and dissolving in the sky. I cannot help feeling filled with wonder when witnessing hundreds of thousands of individuals moving with such cohesion. The birds neither collide nor disperse, effortlessly avoiding obstacles and evading predators. As they pass overhead, they fill the air with an astonishing barrage of noise and vibration of the air. Not only are they visually breathtaking, but they engulf the other senses.”

If you are blessed with good luck, at dusk, starlings murmurate over their chosen roost site. Their fantastic aerial displays appear almost choreographed, with patterns emerging and dissolving in the sky. I cannot help feeling filled with wonder when witnessing hundreds of thousands of individuals moving with such cohesion. The birds neither collide nor disperse, effortlessly avoiding obstacles and evading predators. As they pass overhead, they fill the air with an astonishing barrage of noise and vibration of the air. Not only are they visually breathtaking, but they engulf the other senses.”

Migrating birds create intricate flight patterns against a sunset sky, captured in a breathtaking photo by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds create stunning flight patterns in the sky, captured in a breathtaking photo by Kathryn Cooper.

In a flock of starlings, nature has evolved a system that is robust to predation, where many eyes look out for attack, and where risk is shared amongst the group. Remarkably, the group achieves this without any leadership structure, the simple interactions between individuals creating outcomes greater than the sum of their parts.”

Migrating birds creating intricate patterns in the sky, captured by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds form intricate patterns in a cloudy sky, captured by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds form a dense, swirling pattern in the sky at sunset, showcasing hidden flight paths captured by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds create intricate flight patterns against a cloudy sky, captured by photographer Kathryn Cooper.

“The technique itself is anchored in the history of photography. First conceived in the late 1800s, it was then coined chrono-photography (‘chrono’ denoting time). The first to pioneer the concept of deconstructing movement in this way were British-American photographer Eadweard Muybridge and French scientist Étienne-Jules Marey. They both became fascinated with the mechanics of both human and animal movement, particularly the flight of birds. In an era where science and art were embracing locomotion and dynamism, the impact of their advances in photography reverberated through innovation and culture for decades to come.”

Migrating birds form a dense cloud in the sky, captured by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds form intricate flight patterns at sunset, captured by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds' flight patterns captured in an artistic photo by Kathryn Cooper, showcasing their stunning motion.

Migrating birds' flight patterns captured at dusk in a stunning photograph by Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds create stunning patterns in flight, captured beautifully by photographer Kathryn Cooper.

Migrating birds' flight patterns captured against a sunset sky, showcasing Kathryn Cooper’s breathtaking photography.