CALLAC (22) 23.10.2013

On 23 October 2013 at 07:30, a witness was surprised to see about 10 luminous points moving silently across the morning sky in 3 successive waves. The source summary describes them as white. He completely ruled out sky lanterns, fighter aircraft and any reflection of light. No other account was collected. GEIPAN considers a group of migrating birds the probable explanation. At that time of year, many birds migrate north to south along the main migration corridors, one of which passes east of Callac. Migrating birds generally fly at altitudes between 100 and 400 m. In a headwind, as in this case, they fly lower, making them more visible at dusk or dawn. In particular, brent geese migrate south toward the Gulf of Morbihan at this time. Their plumage is mainly brown, black and white. GEIPAN explains that at night, under moonlight, only the white portion remains visible, and that the yellowish color mentioned by the witness corresponds to the color of moonlight. Their dark wings are invisible in the darkness. GEIPAN therefore finds the observation only slightly unusual. The one mildly unusual feature is the final light, which was brighter than the others. However, this detail was absent from the original observation account and questionnaire and was introduced during the investigation, 3 years later; it could reflect a false memory. The evidential basis was initially moderate, with only 1 witness and no photographs or videos, and was strengthened by a cognitive interview. GEIPAN classifies the case B: probable observation of birds, comprising several groups of brent geese or other migrating birds.