Starling Watch

Dawn at Loxtons Marsh – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5529

A deep red sky at the start of another day at RSPB Ham Wall in Somerset.

The Morning

Last night the birds kept a secret.  They dropped into the reed bed at the wilderness then in the cover of darkness they streamed back to roost in the Loxtons.

So this morning I was standing on the track in the Loxtons where I thought the noise of the birds was loudest.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5710

Like every morning in winter, the birds surged into the sky just before dawn.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5710

And it was a lovely dawn.

Dawn at Loxtons Marsh – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5416

The Evening

So now I knew the starlings plan.  Well maybe.   I got on my cycle and headed straight down to the wilderness.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5451

First it looked like the birds were going to roost in Loxtons.  It seemed the flock could not make up its mind  – Loxtons or Wilderness?

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5460

In the confusion, smaller groups of starlings did not know which way to turn.  A classic recipe for some twisted murmuration shapes in the sky.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5465

Eventually, the birds chose the wilderness.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5482

Dropping down into the reeds in front of the Wilderness Drove.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5492

Like last night the birds did not settle here.

The Secret

More than one hundred thousand starlings lifted up into the sky over our heads.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5668

From one corner to the other the sky was full of fast flying birds.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 827_5710