Starling Watch

Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Someset, UK. ID 827_4035

Today’s starling watch was a game of two halves – the first looking south with a deep red sunset, the second looking north with wonderful patterns.

First Half

The starlings arrive and fill the sky above a glorious sunset.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4054

I did not expect such a good sky as it had been cloudy all day.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4090

Soon the starlings were pouring overhead, but not stopping.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4096

Some groups did not know which direction they wanted to go.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4096

No birds in the picture but what a sunset!

Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Someset, UK. ID 827_4113

Second Half

The starlings had been flying by and had dropped into the reeds north of the first viewing platform.  They did not roost there, instead they lifted and flew back to the Waltons Heath.  On meeting the new birds arriving they put on a brilliant display.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4141

In all this twirling about, some birds dropped down into Waltons Heath while the rest set off to the Loxtons.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4150

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4157

From the Tor View hide the birds drop down into Waltons West.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4322

And Finally…

Then as they have done so many times in the past they eventually lifted back out of the reeds and looped over the footpath into Waltons East.

Starling Murmuration – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_4431