Starling Trail

Boxing day is always busy at Ham Wall, but not in the morning.  The birds were still roosting in Waltons West and I waited on my own next to a gap in the wall of tall reeds.  I was bunkered down under a tree next to a large group of starlings.  This meant I would miss most of the action but would hopefully be perfectly placed for a vital few seconds when my group takes to the air.

The calm before the storm. A last few minutes of rest for each of the birds before they leave.

Starlings at Dawn on Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_7805

I was only a few metres from the flock but in the dark the birds were impossible to see unless they were silhouetted.

The nearby group of birds takes to the air filling the sky.  Followed by several more groups.  Some in the distance, some closer, but my group was still having a lie in.

Starlings at Dawn on Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_8013

The morning was glorious with its deep blue and red sunrise reflected in the water.

Starlings at Dawn on Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_8024

And Finally

My group takes to the air – quite an experience! A whirlpool of noise in a kaleidoscope of pink, blue and red.  Each starling copied by its reflection.

Starlings at Dawn on Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_8136

Starlings at Dawn on Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_8139

Starlings at Dawn on Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_8148