Starling Trail

Great White Egret – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_6975

As it approached the end of November the starling numbers at RSPB Ham Wall continued to increase.  Each day the flock is getting a little bit bigger.  Today we were expected them to roost in the western side of Walton Heath.  So I waited in the Tor View hide hoping the starlings would arrive around 4pm.  However, first to pitch up was a beautiful great white egret.

Sharky stayed nearby for the entire show.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_7083

The starlings quickly dropped into the reed bed.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_7332

As the sky turned a glorious deep red they began to spread out across the heath.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_7922

Soon streams of starlings were flying over the hide.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_7852

They dropped down into the reeds on the other side.  Sadly, it was not possible for both sides to have a beautiful sunset!

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_8280

And finally…

Even as it got very dark the birds continued to flow over the hide.  It was an amazing evening.

Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, UK. ID JB_8430