Starling Trail

by Jeff Bevan · Published 15th December 2019 · Updated 18th December 2019

Waltons Heath – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8428P

Hall Wall

Another beautiful sky at RSPB Ham Wall. I think sometimes I like the skies more than the starlings – probably not. Today the sky did not have the deep red colours of last week but it had a wonderful texture of crisscrossed clouds.

I always photograph the first flock to arrive as it may be the only one to appear.

First Starlings Home – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8477

No need to worry as after a few minutes the sky was packed with birds from corner to corner.

Starling Sky – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8563

The ducks witnessed the birds funnelling down into the reeds in the middle of Waltons Heath.

Wigeon and Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8685

As the colours in the sky became more dramatic the starlings lifted from the reeds and flew passed us into Loxtons Marsh.

Moving to Loxtons – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8824

After a lot of noise the birds finally settled under the light of the cold December moon. A few stars visible in the night sky.

Cold Moon – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8977

The Next Day

As dawn approached the wind was still very strong. Clouds moved rapidly through the sky above the glow of Glastonbury street lights in the distance.

Dawn – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8984

Their endless chattering and the rush of their wings as the sunrise came closer created a wonderful sense of excitement.

As the birds moved around the reserve in the dark the best way to see them was from their reflections in the open water. But gradually they got easier to see and my camera had enough light to take pictures.