Trick Of The Eye: Tree Looks Totally Different When Birds Fly Away Simultaneously [Video]

An amazing, 40-second LiveLeak clip that was recently uploaded to YouTube has caught the attention of thousands of viewers online.

According to the UK-based video sharing website, the popular clipl which was originally uploaded on November 18, was reportedly filmed in Zaandam, North Holland, Netherlands. Now it’s beginning to circulate on social media platforms.

At the beginning of the clip, things look relatively normal. All you see is the image of a tree. However, what you can’t see with the unaided eye is that the leaves on the tree really aren’t leaves. They’re actually birds!

Throughout the clip, a small number of birds, which appear to be starlings, can be seen flying around the tree. But, at the 18-second mark, nearly all of the birds fly away from the tree simultaneously, leaving it nearly bare with very little leaves. Then, at the 21-second mark, a loud noise similar to a gun can be heard as the birds continue to scatter.

The video has received nearly 250,000 views via YouTube and the official LiveLeak site since it was uploaded on November 19. Most viewers are quite amazed by the rare footage, while others find it quite terrifying to see so many birds fly at one time.

“It’s kind of creepy how the bird song suddenly stops when they all launch at the same time,” one user said.

“Pretty cool! Too bad this “nature” (starlings) is an invasive species imported from Europe that destroys crops and ruins habitat for our native birds. Not to be a killjoy or anything,” YouTube user Jennifer Hoffman said.

“at first I was like meh this is boring, and then Wowww Weeeeeee Fantastic!!” another user said of the video.

Do you find the footage to be pretty cool or pretty disturbing? Share your thoughts.

[Image via YouTube, LiveLeak]