Starling Trail

Sunset – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7541

Starlings at Ham Wall

Recently the starlings have going to the west and east sides of Waltons Heath (by the new viewing platform) and also across into Loxtons Marsh (further down the reserve).  This is a relatively small area but big enough that you want to find that best spot to watch them.

On my last visit the birds favoured the east side of the heath, even those birds that dropped to the west eventually flew back to join the others.  So today I came early to find a spot along the muddy footpath between Waltons and Loxtons.  The RSPB have done a great job in clearing some view points around the east side of the heath.

It was a clear night and wherever the birds went I was hopeful of getting a good view.

The first group of birds to arrive is always an exciting moment.

First Starlings Home – Ham Wall, Somerst, UK. ID JB1_7549

Soon the sky was full of birds flying other to the far west of the heath.  Now it was a waiting game would they lift and fly back to Loxtons?

Starling Watching – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7731

Luckily, it was not long before lots of starlings were lifting out of their crowded reedbeds and flying towards Loxtons.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7826

The birds circled in the sky above Loxtons, with December’s cold moon (nearly full) in the background.

Cold Moon and Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7766

Cold Moon and Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7664

Thousands of birds dropped into the reeds only yards away.  The narrow strip quickly turning black.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7845

I did not see any of their famous murmuration patterns. Perhaps the wind is still too strong at the moment.  But the noise of chaos of the birds overhead in a glorious sky was amazing.

And Finally..

A pair of ducks enjoy a clear flight path clear of starlings.

Ham Wall – Somerset, UK. ID JB1_7922