Starling Trail

Today I took a group of friends down to RSPB Ham Wall to watch the starlings.  It was going to be a busy evening with large crowds expected to descend on the reserve. I did not want to take any risks so we arrived early to get a place in the main car park.  I was worried that once parked we would have a very long to wait for the starlings to arrive.

However, I had no need to worry as my friends turned out to be duck experts and enjoyed every minute of the wait despite getting cold hands.

The light on the lagoon was beautiful.

Ham Wall blue lagoon – Somerst, UK. ID 809_7761

As the sun started to set we headed for the Tor View hide and got the first glimpse of the dramatic sky that was about to unfold.

Ham Wall sky – Somerst, UK. ID 809_7781

The first group of starlings arrived.  I always photograph the first group just in case they are the only starlings we see.

First starlings arrive at Ham Wall – Somerst, UK. ID 809_7796

With dramatic dark clouds the sky begins to fill with starlings.

Starlings arrive at Ham Wall – Somerst, UK. ID 809_7860

Starlings arrive at Ham Wall – Somerst, UK. ID 809_7946

Starlings arrive at Ham Wall – Somerst, UK. ID 809_8016

Starlings arrive at Ham Wall – Somerst, UK. ID 809_8035

And Finally

On the other side of Waltons Heath the starlings settle in the reedbed next to the Tor View hide.  All lined up for a great display the next dawn.

Starlings arrive at Ham Wall – Somerst, UK. ID 809_8152