A flock of starlings thrills downtown observers

[Carey]

I had the opportunity to be on the roof of a downtown building Thursday afternoon. Watching the dark clouds from the snow squall move in from the northwest was very cool, but a truly magical moment was looking east and seeing a large flock of starlings perform.

For at least 10 minutes, as the snow and wind whipped around us, a friend and I watched as the birds flew rapidly in those strange, geometric shapes that expand and contract and bob and weave through the sky. The birds appeared to be above the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice. Has anyone seen this awesome natural show? Does it take place on a regular basis? I'd love to hear reports from other downtown workers/residents. This was the coolest natural phenomenon I've seen downtown since I witnessed two hawks fighting a few years ago.