“Starlings’ murmuration consists of a flock moving in synch with one another, engaging in clear, consistent communication and exhibiting collective leadership and deep, deep trust. Every individual bird focuses attention on their seven closest neighbors and thus manage a larger flock cohesiveness and synchronicity (at times upwards of over a million birds).”
—Sierra Pickett, as quoted in Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown.
Starting in 2018 I began sending out linocut prints to 100 people and places who have helped me believe a better world is possible. It could be a cafe where I felt at home, coworkers who helped me navigate challenging times, or people who are making a difference. In 2019 I started sending out linocut starlings, inspired by own experience with the European Starling and the writing of adrienne maree brown in Emergent Strategy. The work of adrienne maree brown as been foundational in my understanding of facilitating change in complex systems. I like to believe I and the others who receive these cards are forming a complex murmuration of our own. We are each of us influencing each other towards the creation of a more just and harmonious world. Sometimes in ways we don't even know.
I am in love with starlings. My love of the scrappy little creatures started many years ago on a chance encounter while walking to my mother's house in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
While walking I passed a concrete wall with two tiny feet sticking out of a drainage pipe. I stopped, plucked the feet and what turned out to be a plump starling out of the wall. The little bird seemed pretty dead, without a trace of visible life left. I wasn't really sure what I should do so I just continued walking while the bird was in my hands.
As I got closer to home the bird started to slowly come back to life. It stirred and moved its mouth, taking tiny little breaths and wiggling its feet. I stopped walking and stared. Surely, the bird was dead, so dead that I had made plans to find it a final resting place. While pondering the small miracle in front of me the bird gathered energy, got back on its feet and started squeaking and whirring.
I wasn't really sure what to do. I stared at the bird, the bird stared at me, and this is how we stayed for minutes while I stood along the road. As I considered my options, the bird gave a final squeak, looked me in the eyes, and took off. I stood there for a few minutes staring at my empty hands and feeling a sense of magic, wonder, and awe.
Since that time I have been fascinated with starlings. I have learned that starlings are not pre-contact creatures to Mi'kma'ki and Turtle Island. The first starlings were said to be introduced to these lands by a fan of William Shakespeare, who released 60 starlings in Central Park, NYC, in 1890. Starlings have since taken roost throughout the continent.
Starlings are considered an invasive pest, and yet I love them. They are scrappy, they have beautiful iridescent feathers, and they will steal a french fry from your hands at a park or along the waterfront if you are not careful. Besides being a charming creature, they inspire me and make me reflect on the ways I can contribute to change. It is a privilege to create and send out these cards every year.
