MURMUR

config.style.page.link.color: "#DB244C" -- <h1 class="story-title">ABOUT THE SCULPTURE</h1> MURMUR by Kerry Lemon <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503362826/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-sculpture"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503362826_02d5cfd39c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-sculpture"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> *Our City's Starlings* A sculptural murmuration of 100 hand-cut copper starlings swooping across the garden podiums at Lyon Close. Most winter evenings before dusk hundreds of thousands of starlings return from across the Sussex countryside, including the downs around Brighton & Hove, to roost on the Brighton piers. The spectacular “murmurations” can be viewed anywhere along the seafront between the piers or on the Palace Pier itself where on a calm evening you can even hear the flutter of their wings as they swoop in underneath to roost. {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: '*Continue to the Interactive Experience*'}

<h1 class="story-title">KERRY LEMON</h1> *Artist as a Researcher* <style> img{ max-width:100%; max-height:100%; } </style> <img src=https://artlogic-res.cloudinary.com/w_850,c_limit,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/ws-artlogicwebsite0681/usr/images/feature_panels/image/items/56/568f345294fb43b991e7d38d22807110/kerry-lemon.jpg> <span class="credit">Photo Credit - Josh Mowll</span> </div> ***Hello!*** I'm Kerry - an artist creating sculptures inspired by the natural world. Over the years, I’ve made nearly 100 public artworks across the UK – in parks, town centres, forests and city streets. My practice begins with careful research into local plants, animals and landscapes, which I translate into sculptural forms that celebrate nature. I hope my work encourages people to notice the quiet magic all around them and reflect on how we might better care for the extraordinary species we share this planet with. You can explore more of my sculptures on my website <a href="https://www.kerrylemon.co.uk/public-art-sculpture/" target="_blank">here.</a> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54502578902/in/dateposted-public/" title="2018-B-Corp-Logo"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54502578902_cbcc66fced.jpg" width="500" height="275" alt="2018-B-Corp-Logo"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> [[Meet The Womxn Kerry is Mentoring for this Work -> AboutArtist4]] [[What is Public Art? -> AboutArtist2]]

<h1 class="story-title">STARLINGS</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503429164/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-starling"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503429164_50a51693cf.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-starling"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> Starlings have “tetrachromic vision” - meaning they can see into the UV part of the light spectrum. Starlings look extra colourful to other Starlings. They can also see the earth’s magnetic field, which they use to help them navigate on nocturnal migration flights. In the UK some of the Starlings are resident all the year round, whilst others migrate in from Eastern Europe to avoid the harsh winters there. Most of Brighton’s Starlings are local birds but some years they are joined by thousands from Eastern Europe for the Murmuration season. A Starling can fly at about 40 mph in level flight. A Peregrine Falcon can do 60 mph level flight and 200 mph in a stoop (attack dive). During migration flights Starlings have usually been recorded flying up to about three hours at a time, but one was recorded flying for 22 hours and reaching an altitude of 8000 feet. They always travel in large groups. [[What is a murmuration? -> StarlingsInfo2]]

<h1 class="story-title">FEEL LIKE A STARLING</h1> In this game you and a few friends will take a step into seeing how it might feel as a starling during a murmuration. You will choose one person to lead, then each of you will have to follow their steps as quickly and seamlessly as you can. The first person to misstep is out - keep going until you have a winner! <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54506063089/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-game"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54506063089_b75dd1b595.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-game"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> **OBJECTIVE** Follow the leader’s movements in sequence and rhythm. The last player remaining becomes the new Murmur Master. [[Click here to see how to play! -> Game2]]

<h1 class="story-title">MAIN MENU</h1> This is an interactive experience to accompany the MURMUR sculpture. Click any of the pathways to learn more about the sculpture, artist, and surrounding nature. This experience allows us to show you all the content and material to enrich your experience of the sculpture and its story. <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503376056/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-signpost"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503376056_bffee81d70.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-signpost"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> [[About Kerry ->AboutArtist1]] [[Learn About Starlings ->StarlingsInfo1]] [[Play a Game Inspired by the Sculpture->Game1]] [[How have the Community been involved? ->CommunityProject1]]

<h1 class="story-title">COMMUNITY CELEBRATION</h1> HELD @ BOOTH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (15 min walk from the site) STEVE GELIOT + KERRY LEMON <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503951664/in/dateposted-public/" title="MURMUR 18th - 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503951664_3ef0ee35db.jpg" width="354" height="500" alt="MURMUR 18th - 1"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> Local residents took part in a free and friendly event to celebrate the installation of MURMUR, Kerry's new public artwork for Brighton & Hove. Local residents met at the artwork for a brief talk by the artist, and then walked together to the Booth Museum of Natural History for a creative session led by artist and starling expert Steve Geliot to explore the wonder and the science of these incredible birds. Steve Geliot has been observing starling murmurations in Brighton for over eight years, and with his artist colleague Lou McCurdy established the Save Our Starlings campaign in February 2022. Steve works hard to protect and celebrate the natural night, contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dark Skies, doing advocacy and campaign work with The Campaign for Rural England. <a href="https://www.stevegeliot.com/steve-geliot/" target="_blank">Discover Steve's website</a> Want to do the activity from the event? [[Click here! -> CommunityProject3]] [[See some pictures of the Community Celebration -> CommunityProject2]] [[Designing the Sculpture ->SculptureProcess1]]

<h1 class="story-title">BUILDING THE SCULPTURE</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503697829/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-starlingsflight"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503697829_24af232e28.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-starlingsflight"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> Kerry was excited to create an artwork inspired by the iconic starling murmurations in Brighton and Hove. She loved studying their patterns and spent time carefully capturing their movements and placing each of her drawings into a flock design to flow across the railings. To bring the drawings to life, she worked with Black Forge Art, a brilliant fabrication studio who traced and cut her designs from copper sheet. Each piece was then sprayed morning and night with a mix of water, salt, and vinegar to speed up the patina process, turning the copper a beautiful turquoise blue. [[How did the Community Input? -> SculptureProcess2]]

<h1 class="story-title">PUBLIC ART</h1> *What is public art?* Public art refers to temporary and permanent artworks that are made and installed in public spaces and intentionally designed to be accessible to all. *Who commissions public art?* My artworks are commissioned by a wide range of art consultants, local authorities, developers and architects. *Who funds public art?* Public artworks are typically funded through public-private partnerships. My commissions tend to be paid for by housing or public realm developers as a result of ‘Section 106’ (or similar ‘% for art’) local authority planning requirements to include bespoke artworks for new developments. Public art can also be funded for additional public sector policies such as heritage, health and wellbeing, education and tourism as well as to meet private sector ESG policies. *Why is public art important?* Public art matters because it creates free access to the arts, engaging a broad audience by being situated in places where people live, work, and play. It contributes to community identity, fosters pride and enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban and rural environments for residents and visitors. *Communities* - Genuine creative engagement - Targeting those in need of quality FREE creative activity - Focus on long term legacy - A circular and accessible approach to creative activities ensuring all creative materials bought for communities stay within those communities - Mentoring a local femxle artist on every commission *Biodiversity & Regenerative Sustainability* - Utilising my artwork as a tool for people to engage with local plants, animals and landscapes - Creating improved habitats wherever possible (recent sculptures have incorporated new homes for insects, hedgehogs and bats) - Collaborating with scientists/ building teams of experts for each project - Embedding PEBs (Positive Environmental Behaviours) as part of community outreach events *What is next for public art?* - MORE than decorative - PARTICIPATORY & EXPERIENTIAL - PEOPLE centred BUT more than human design - TEMPORARY rather than permanent especially events based [[Meet The Womxn Kerry is Mentoring for this Work -> AboutArtist4]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">CREDITS</h1> FABRICATOR: Rod and his team at Black Forge Art (<a href="https://www.blackforgeart.co.uk/" target="_blank">Website</a>) CLIENTS: Guinness Partnership and Brighton & Hove City Council OUTREACH & PHOTOGRAPHS: Steve Geliot @stevegeliot ILLUSTRATIONS: Sabrina Tian @bysabrinatian (<a href="https://sabrinatian.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>) QR ACTIVATION DESIGN: Tori Simpson and Harry Hosker COMMUNITY EVENT PARTNER: Booth Museum @brighton_museums MENTEES: @lilawordsworthart and @laura_callaghan_creativity STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Mitchinson Macken CARBON CALCULATIONS: Design Conformity {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'}

<h1 class="story-title">PICTURES OF THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54565007363/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6891"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54565007363_d956b069bc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_6891"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54563897257/in/dateposted-public/" title="Copy of IMG_6870"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54563897257_6ec1c9c841.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Copy of IMG_6870"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54564955944/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6904"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54564955944_7228f50225.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_6904"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54564955354/in/dateposted-public/" title="47DDD652-9804-42AF-8591-96E20153CC00"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54564955354_62cd291840.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="47DDD652-9804-42AF-8591-96E20153CC00"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> [[Designing the Sculpture ->SculptureProcess1]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">KERRY'S MENTEES</h1> *LILA WORDSWORTH* <a href="https://lilawordsworth.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> Instagram: @lilawordsworthart *CAROLINE BEAVON* <a href="https://www.carolinebeavon.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> @carolinebeavon *LAURA CALLAGHAN* <a href="https://creativitytakescourage.uk/site/about-me/" target="_blank">Website</a> @laura_callaghan_creativity [[What is Public Art? -> AboutArtist2]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">MURMURATIONS</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503615495/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-murmuration"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503615495_d2a7480d48.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-murmuration"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> Starlings are best known for their Murmurations: collective dances of flocks of thousands of birds all flying together in a coordinated way. {embed YouTube video: 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7b1OY7zUsI'} [[WHERE can you see murmurations? -> StarlingInfo6]] [[WHEN can you see murmurations? -> StarlingInfo7]] [[HOW do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo3]] [[WHY do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo4]] [[What to *look* & *listen* for -> Nature1]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]]

*How to Play:* **1. Choose the First Murmur Master** - One player starts as the Murmur Master (the leader). - Everyone else is a Follower. Stand in a curved line *or* a flock-like formation where you can all see Murmur Master. **2. Begin the Movement Chain** - The Murmur Master performs one fluid, birdlike movement (e.g., a sweeping arm, twirl, head tilt). **3. Murmur Echo** - Followers must wait one second before mimicking the Murmur Master—like a delayed ripple moving through the flock. - Each Follower mimics Murmur Master one after the other. *Think of it as a wave of motion rather than just copying. **4. Keep the Chain Going** - After each full wave of mimicry, the Murmur Master adds one new movement to the sequence. - The sequence grows: Movement 1 → Movement 1 & 2 → Movement 1 & 2 & 3, and so on. - All players must remember and repeat the full chain in Murmur Echo style. **5. Elimination** A Follower is out if they: - Do a movement incorrectly - Forget the sequence - Move out of sync (early or too late) Eliminated players sit down and form an audience. **6. Winning the Game** - Play continues until only one Follower remains correctly echoing the sequence. - That player becomes the new Murmur Master. Do you have a winner? [[Click here -> Game3]]

<div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54506063089/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-game"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54506063089_b75dd1b595.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-game"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> That isn't much like how starling murmurations work - they are much more complex! {link to: 'StarlingsInfo1', label: 'Click here'} to learn more about starling murmurations! {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<span class="glowText"> This QR material was made in Twine. Twine is a free, open-source tool used for creating interactive pathways that allow us to show you all the content and material we think will enrich your experience of the sculpture and its story. </span> <a href="https://cosmicprankster.github.io/MURMUR/Steve_presentation.pdf" target="_blank">Download the PDF</a> <span class="clickable" id="purple">Purple</span> <span class="clickable" id="yellow">Yellow</span> <span class="clickable" id="green">Green</span> <span class="clickable" id="blue">Blue</span> <span class="clickable" id="black">Black</span> <div id="message"></div> [CSS] <style> .clickable { cursor: pointer; margin-right: 1em; color: blue; } .clicked { color: red; font-weight: bold; } </style> <<script>> $(document).ready(function() { console.log("Script loaded successfully!"); const items = $(".clickable"); // Log the selected elements console.log("Items found:", items); // This will log the list of selected elements const message = $("#message"); let clickedCount = 0; // Track how many words have been clicked // Function to update message when all are clicked function checkAllClicked() { if (clickedCount === items.length) { message.html("<strong>Noice</strong>"); // Display message } } // Add event listeners to all clickable items items.on("click", function() { const item = $(this); console.log("Item clicked:", item.attr('id')); // Logs the id of the clicked item if (!item.hasClass("clicked")) { item.addClass("clicked"); // Apply the 'clicked' style clickedCount++; // Increment clicked count console.log("Clicked count:", clickedCount); // Log the current count of clicked items checkAllClicked(); // Check if all words have been clicked } }); }); <</script>> [continued]

<h1 class="story-title">HOW DO THEY DO IT?</h1> Flocking is an emergent behaviour which comes from local interactions. There is no leader. More is different. A Starling Murmuration is a type of “Complex Adaptive System” where there is a flow of information and the system can quickly respond. <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503697829/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-starlingsflight"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503697829_24af232e28.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-starlingsflight"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> Each Starling is keeping a close watch on it’s seven near neighbours. But there is mixing: the neighbours swap over and change all the time. It is nothing like formation flying such as the Red Arrows jets. (they are more like the fixed atomic structure of a crystal). A flock of Starlings is more like a magnetic gas, but each individual particle is a sentient being in and of itself. Starlings are subject to social influence even before they have hatched from their eggs- their exquisitely coordinated behaviour starts even then. More is different. The whole flock can respond collectively to a threat, or a change in the wind, almost instantly. The speed of response is helped by their ability to see at over 100 frames per second (much like my slow motion camera) as opposed to human vision which is 25-30 frames per second. <a href="https://kerrylemon.github.io/MURMUR/Starling_rules.pdf" target="_blank">Here</a> is also a great resource that details Starling *rules* in murmurations. [[WHY do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo4]] [[What to *look* & *listen* for -> Nature1]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]]

<h1 class="story-title">WHY DO THEY DO IT?</h1> Starling Murmuration is a co-evolved behaviour between Starlings and Peregrine Falcons (or other raptors who hunt Starlings). This coordinated flocking gives the Starlings more tactical options to defend themselves from the predators. (a lone Starling has only one option for defence, which is to fly away) <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503615495/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-murmuration"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503615495_d2a7480d48.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-murmuration"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> The gatherings give the Starlings opportunities to exchange information and check out potential mates. They take great care over their personal appearance, washing and preening in small communal gatherings before each evenings dance. By roosting communally after the murmuration they can share body heat. They tend to choose roost sites where they feel safe from predators such as foxes. They always roost in dark places (eg underneath the pier). Lastly - they love it. Starlings are very social birds so we like to think Starlings just enjoy murmurations.. [[HOW do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo3]] [[What to *look* & *listen* for -> Nature1]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]]

<h1 class="story-title">SAVE OUR STARLINGS</h1> The Starling is a "red listed species of conservation concern". This is because in the UK the population has crashed by more than 80% since the 1970s, and continues to decline. Why is this happening? Starlings mostly eat insects, but humans are destroying the places insects live through: - Pesticides (even the ones we put on our pets for fleas) - Bright lights at night (which confuse and kill insects) - Farming that doesn't leave space for wildlife How YOU can help You might be just one person, but every action adds up! - Grow wildflowers in your garden or in pots – they attract loads of bugs for Starlings to eat - Put out bird food – especially in winter. Starlings love mealworms and fruit - Add a bird bath – fresh water helps birds stay clean and hydrated - Put up a nest box – they like one with a 4.5 cm hole - Switch off lights at night if you don’t need them – darker skies are better for bats, bugs and birds <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54505187647/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-couple"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54505187647_74422a445c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-couple"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/starling" target="_blank">Click here</a> to navigate to the RSPB page on Starlings. Their UK Conservation Status is designated <span style="color: red;">**RED**</span> which means they are of a *High Conservation Concern*. [[What to *look* & *listen* for -> Nature1]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">WHAT TO LOOK, LISTEN & FEEL FOR</h1> This is entirely dependant on the *season*! So which does it feel more like right now? [[Spring/Summer -> Nature2]] [[Winter -> Nature3]]

<h1 class="story-title">SPRING/SUMMER (LISTEN)</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503721135/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-sound"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503721135_5943132231.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-sound"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> ***LISTEN*** - Once the eggs have hatched (now) you can often hear baby Starlings calling for food, from inside their nests on roof cavities. These are often near the eaves of houses. Each time mum or dad approaches they call loudly. [[***SEE*** -> Nature4]]

<h1 class="story-title">WINTER (LISTEN)</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503721135/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-sound"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503721135_5943132231.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-sound"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> ***LISTEN*** - During the murmuration the Starlings are not silent at all. It is just technically difficult to record. On a calm evening if you stand quietly on the pier you can hear them when they fly close. The flock is saying "we are flying together" or "watch out there is a predator". Audio signalling (short range) is often combined with visual signalling (long range), such as agitation waves - dark ripples and pulses passing through the flock. Listen for the rush of ten thousand wings all beating as one. During the winter, male Starlings begin to occupy high positions near potential nesting cavities and advertise them through singing (which can include amazing mimicry). Loud whistles, rattles and chatter also. They are saying to potential mates: "come and see my nesting cavity". Listen for whistles, chatter, rattles and clicks [[***SEE*** -> Nature6]]

<h1 class="story-title">SPRING/SUMMER (SEE)</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503362666/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-sight"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503362666_535cbeab1a.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-sight"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> ***SEE*** - Fledging day. In late spring, this a joyous noisy rambunctious affair with all the baby Starlings emerging from the nests on the same day and having a massive fledging party. Ted Hughes wrote a lovely poem about this which is in his collection Flowers and Insects: "Where I sit writing my letter" [[***FEEL*** -> Nature5]]

<h1 class="story-title">SPRING/SUMMER (FEEL)</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503633343/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-touch"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503633343_4c5033e9d6.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-touch"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> ***FEEL*** - The strong sun warming you up as you watch these beautiful birds. [[WHAT ABOUT IN WINTER? -> Nature3]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">WINTER (SEE)</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503362666/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-sight"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503362666_535cbeab1a.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-sight"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> ***SEE*** - watch the feathers on the Starling's throat go spikey and stick out when he is singing. The beaks turn yellow in breeding season, and are dark grey/black the rest of the time. From a distance Starlings can look almost black, with the white flecks/stars on their breasts, but up close in the sunlight they are a petroleum rainbow of iridescence, and because they can see more colour than we can, they are quite psychedelic, from a Starlings perspective. <div style="display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503441396/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC02742"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503441396_77ef497378_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="DSC02742"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503404271/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fullspectrumstarling copy"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503404271_d3e412502c_n.jpg" width="320" height="242" alt="Fullspectrumstarling copy"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> [[***FEEL*** -> Nature7]]

<h1 class="story-title">WINTER (FEEL)</h1> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54503633343/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-touch"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503633343_4c5033e9d6.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="kl-murmur-touch"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> ***FEEL*** - Feel your fingers get cold in the winter during the murmuration. [[WHAT ABOUT IN SPRING/SUMMER? -> Nature2]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT</h1> Community engagement is a critical part of this artworks development. The 1~~st~~ event was an artwork consultation held on Tuesday 25~~th~~ February, 2025. It was to recruit residents for the steering group, and to share initial ideas on the project. <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54506148448/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-group"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54506148448_edf78fd42c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-group"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> {link to: 'CommunityProject1', label: 'See the Community Celebration'} {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]

<h1 class="story-title">WHERE CAN WE SEE STARLING MURMURATIONS?</h1> Brighton Palace Pier is an iconic murmuration, currently of about 10-15000 birds. There is a small one at Brighton Marina and also at Worthing Pier. Go for a walk and see what you can find! Nationally there are good ones at Davidstowe in Cornwall, and also Penzance, Avalon Marshes in Somerset, Aberystwyth Pier, Ripon Racecourse in Yorkshire, Blackpool Pier, Otmoor near Oxford. You can find the latest murmuration activity <a href="https://www.starlingsintheuk.co.uk/roost-map.html" target="_blank">here</a> <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54506417770/in/dateposted-public/" title="kl-murmur-family"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54506417770_8d24f7127e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="kl-murmur-family"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> [[WHEN can you see murmurations? -> StarlingInfo7]] [[WHY do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo4]] [[HOW do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo3]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]]

<h1 class="story-title">WHEN CAN WE SEE STARLING MURMURATIONS?</h1> The murmurations take place from October to early March and reach their peak in February. Usually the Murmurations start half an hour before sunset and last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather. [[WHERE can you see murmurations? -> StarlingInfo6]] [[WHY do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo4]] [[HOW do they do it? -> StarlingsInfo3]] [[SAVE OUR STARLINGS -> StarlingsInfo5]]

<h1 class="story-title">COMMUNITY CELEBRATION ACTIVITY</h1> <a href="https://kerrylemon.github.io/MURMUR/Starling_worksheet.pdf" target="_blank">Download</a> Kerry's Starling worksheet from the celebration and do it for yourself to get results like the image below! All you need is: - A stapler - A straw - A piece of paper or cardboard - Anything to decorate your starling! <div style="text-align: center;"> {embed Flickr image: '<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/170075793@N04/54502659847/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6410"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54502659847_19b85c9a42.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_6410"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>'} </div> [[See some pictures of the Community Celebration -> CommunityProject2]] [[Designing the Sculpture ->SculptureProcess1]] {link to: 'PathwaysMenu', label: 'Main Menu'} [[End & Project Credits -> Credits]]