Each year, Rome falls victim to a starling invasion. Four million birds stop over in the city on their way to their North African winter quarters. They soil cars and pedestrians and leave behind them slippery streets. During the day they leave the city and at night they sleep in the trees along the avenues. Apparently they feel safer in the city than in the countryside, since bird hunting is still practiced in Italy. 

Perhaps they want to convey something to the people - especially to the prelates in the Vatican, who have not yet excommunicated the cruel bird hunters. 

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