Starling Trail

by Jeff Bevan · Published 8th December 2019 · Updated 12th December 2019

Swan in the sunset – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7065

Back waiting for the starling flocks to arrive on another cold winter evening at Ham Wall on the Somerset Levels.

Sunset – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7056

For a while I sheltered from the cold and wind in the Tor View hide. I watched the sunset through a scattering of small clouds. This hide had been my go to location to watch the starlings but on my last visit they dropped into the reeds much closer to the main path. So today I decided to watch from one of the screens half way between the two.

First Flock – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7089

As the birds started to arrive the wind was blowing really hard. The lead birds seemed to be struggling, causing the flock to bunch up at the front.

Blown by the wind – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7097

In strong winds the birds arrive low and quickly drop into the reeds.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7160

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7240

Soon huge flocks arrived and birds were flying in all directions. The clouds darkened as a storm was on its way.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7215

Normally, the birds drop into the reeds at the same location then spread out across the reserve. Today we saw two parallel streams of birds pouring downwards.