The author Terry Tempest Williams reflects on the behavior of starlings, suggesting they mirror unpleasant aspects of human nature, such as our tendency towards aggression, greed, and cruelty. The comparison raises a thought-provoking point about how we might project our own negative traits onto these birds, seeing in them a reflection of our own shortcomings.

Williams suggests that, similar to starlings, humanity is dominating the planet, raising concerns about our impact on the environment and each other. This analogy serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked human behavior, encouraging readers to reflect on their own actions and the consequences they have on the world around them.