A flock of Dunlin, Calidris alpina, flying above the sea on a winter day with low light. Dunlin are small shorebirds (waders) with a very wide distribution. They are generally found in the UK and down the west coast of Europe and North Africa out of the breeding season.
Dunlins usually feed and fly in flocks. They fly synchronistically, banking to alternately show their dark backs, as here, and their much lighter bellies. This is thought to be a strategy to confuse potential predators. Their flights are a delight to watch, and are akin to an insect swarm.
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