Starling Trail

Swans from Decoy Hide – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_1533

Starling Roost

It’s a new year and the starlings have recently moved from RSPB Ham Wall to a new site in the Roughet at the far end of Natural England’s Shapwick Heath.

Its been a while since I visited the starlings and I had to decide where to wait.  Should I risk it all and sit in the Decoy Hide; or stand on the track next to the Roughet where the reeds are just that bit too tall; or play safe and wait with the crowd on the high ground of the main drove.

As the sky looked interesting so I chose the main drove and hoped the starlings would not go too deep into the reserve.

Sunset of the Roughet – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_1557

From the track to the hide there is a bench on the corner that has a narrow but clear view across to the hide.

Starlings Flock – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID 809_0983

The first flock did fly-by in-front of a lovely sunset.

Starling Murmuration – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_1596

The flock grew as it merged with late arrivals.  But sadly it started to drop before making any patterns in the sky.

Starling Murmuration – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_1671

The entire flock squeezed into the corner of the Roughet reed bed.

Starlings Deep – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID 800_8446

Just a shame the reeds are a bit too tall.  Next time I must remember to bring a box to stand on.

Starlings go to Ground – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID 800_8112