Starling Trail

Winter Day – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4650

Today Shapwick Heath turned into a frosty winter land. Perfect day for a very cold bike ride.

Winter Day – Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4658

The frost was only hanging around in the shade, creating a wonderful contrast with the warm evening colours.

On reaching RSPB Ham Walls, I was mobbed by a series of hungry robins.

Robin – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4926

Once again the marsh harriers were grabbing all the attention of visitors.

Marsh Harrier – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5049

But it was not for the frost, robins or harriers that I came to Ham Wall – it was for the starlings.  It was not long before the first flocks appeared.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5237

The flocks grew and grew filling the sky with thousands of birds.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5480

The birds put on a display against a blue and gold sky.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5503

Gradually, the starlings descended behind the trees that edge the Waltons Heath.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6034

And finally…

The last stream of birds drops into the reeds.

Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5752