Starling Trial

Starling Murmuration – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1177

As we all know you watch a sunset the sky brightens as the sun sits just above the horizon.  The as the sun drops the colours fade.  Only to find 10 to 20 minutes that the brightest and deepest colours return.

As I watched small groups of starlings gathering amongst the trees, It was a grey sky and I did not know this was was going to be a wonderful sunset today.

But it was – and the sky was amazing!

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1177

I waited a long time and nearly give up, but gradually the flocks of starlings started to grow as more and more birds arrived.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1177

Around 4 o’clock as the sky was full of starlings appearing from the west.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0523

Looking east towards Glastonbury Tor the starlings filled the sky.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1177

In the glow of a pink sky they drifted about in one huge flock.  For a while I was sure this was where the birds were going to roost.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0862

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0842

However, despite more birds arriving, the main flock was slowly drifting back to the Ham Wall reserve.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0956

Eventually, under a beautiful sky and a waxing moon, the flock dropped into the reeds near the Avalon Hide.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0996

It was quickly getting dark but groups of birds were still streaming in.

Starling Murmurations – Nr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1177

And finally…

As I walked back to my car the sky just kept getting better!

Sunset over the Somerset Levels – Mr Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1202