Starling Trail
Earlier this week the birds were roosting on Shapwick Heath nature reserve. Today things were about to change.
Shapwick Heath
A huge flock of Starlings flew over our heads at the far end of Shapwick Heath. They were heading for Westhay Heath. Having recently hurt my ankle I found it hard to follow the flock. From the bridge by the Avalon Centre you could see the birds in the distance descending into Westhay Heath. Then as it was getting very dark a large stream of birds poured back into Shapwick Heath flying low over the lagoon and roosting in the nearby reeds.
Filling the Sky – Shapwick Heath
Late return over the lagoon 1
Westhay Heath
The next day I drove down towards Westhay Heath. This area of the Avalon Marshes is mainly private land and is best viewed from the path that leads west from the bridge at the west end of Shapwick Heath.
Driving down the road I could see the birds had descended into a maize field. As the clouds darkened, I parked the car to photograph the birds in the rain.
Starlings appear to have chosen a maize field instead of a reedbed
Starlings lift out of a maize field 1
Starlings lift out of a maize field 2
Starlings lift out of a maize field 4
Other car drivers stop to watch the spectacle unfold next to the road.
Starlings fly low of the road
The birds finally descended into the reeds to roost for the night on Westhay Heath.
