Published: 10:02 BST, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 11:43 BST, 13 August 2026<\/p>\n
This is the moment birds across the country were thrown into a state of confusion as the sun disappeared behind the moon during yesterday's solar eclipse.<\/p>\n
Yesterday evening, millions of people around the country came to a standstill to watch a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse darken the sun.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With the nation's eyes fixed on the sky, videos shared online show large flocks flying chaotically through the air as the sky began to darken.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, others appear to show the animals falling eerily quiet during the celestial event.<\/p>\n
The peculiar scenes prompted viewers to wonder whether the animals realised something extraordinary was taking place.<\/p>\n
\u2018The birds knew something was happening,\u2019 one person said after sharing footage of birds flying in a random pattern in the sky above her.<\/p>\n
Another user asked: \u2018Has anyone noticed the birds acting strangely?\u2019 while another said there was suddenly a \u2018massive flock of crows\u2019 in the sky.<\/p>\n
Another user, from Cornwall, said: \u2018The birds were definitely spooked!\u2019 while one person added: \u2018The solar eclipse has all the birds in my local area PANICKED.\u2019<\/p>\n
Bizarre videos shared online show large flocks flying chaotically through the air as the sky began to darken<\/p>\n
Last night, millions of Britons took to the streets to marvel at a once-in-a-generation-eclipse. Pictured: The solar eclipse seen from Glastonbury, England<\/p>\n
Is this normal for birds during an eclipse? \ud83c\udf11 #eclipse #solareclipse #eclipse2026 #birdtiktok<\/p>\n
While the birds\u2019 reaction may appear strange, the animals are highly attuned to changes in light and use the rising and setting of the sun to regulate their daily routines.<\/p>\n
During Wednesday's eclipse, the moon moved across the face of the sun, blocking out more than 90 per cent of its light from London at its peak.<\/p>\n
Across Britain, the sudden change was accompanied by an eerie drop in light and, in some places, a noticeable chill.<\/p>\n