When we were in the UK we spent a couple of hours at the RSPB Reserve at Ham Walls in Somerset. This reserve is only about 30 minutes from where I was born - so I always like to visit if I am in that part of the world.
In the winter huge flocks of Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) gather there in the evenings to roost in the reed beds. Before they 'settled in for the night' they fly around in (often) huge flocks called murmurations. The day before we went it was estimated that there were 250,000 birds in the roost, and I can see no reason why there would have been less on the day we were there.
It was pretty remarkable to watch, as flock after flock joined the roost. By the time most of the birds had arrived it was getting dark, at this time it seemed some form of collective decision was made to move to another part of the reed bed a couple of hundred meters away. It was too dark for photography, but watching the birds stream from one part of the reed bed to another was truly remarkable.
Ham Walls Reserve is a good place to visit at any time of the year, but this was my first winter trip. I hope it wont be the last.
In the winter huge flocks of Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) gather there in the evenings to roost in the reed beds. Before they 'settled in for the night' they fly around in (often) huge flocks called murmurations. The day before we went it was estimated that there were 250,000 birds in the roost, and I can see no reason why there would have been less on the day we were there.
It was pretty remarkable to watch, as flock after flock joined the roost. By the time most of the birds had arrived it was getting dark, at this time it seemed some form of collective decision was made to move to another part of the reed bed a couple of hundred meters away. It was too dark for photography, but watching the birds stream from one part of the reed bed to another was truly remarkable.
Ham Walls Reserve is a good place to visit at any time of the year, but this was my first winter trip. I hope it wont be the last.
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Starlings are awesome from this point of view: they stick together wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Stewart!
Fantastic photos! It's fun to watch such large flocks moving as a single unit!
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteI recall seeing murmurations on quite a regular basis in my childhood. 50+ years on, at least here in Scotland, I think I might have witnessed one such event in the last five years only. Mind you, I live on the West coast, where starlings are not so much seen. There are events up this end though. Just need to get myself organised! YAM xx
Wow! What a sight to see!
ReplyDeleteI love watching murmurations as they move through the sky. It's fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWe saw a murmuration of Starlings in Wiltshire on Christmas day a couple of years back, they are amazing to watch. Great photos. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteNever knew what that swarming was called. We have starlings here that came from Europe. Not a well loved bird. I didn't realize though that the flying behavior you described was starlings. I often wonder what decided the fast changes.
ReplyDeleteIt is an unfulfilled wish of mine, Stewart, to observe one of these murmurations of starlings, and I can only imagine your elation upon seeing such a spectacle. I hope that Sally, Hamish and Pippa were there to enjoy it with you.
ReplyDeleteThere have been murmurations on Prince Edward Island but I’ve never seen one. I don’t think there are as many birds as you saw though. Wow.
ReplyDeleteMy ancestors are from Somerset.
Wow - that is amazing!
ReplyDeleteA moving post, both images and your words, Stewart
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteOh what I would give to see this, Stewart. What a joy for the eyes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special experience, Stewart! I would be tempted to return again and again to enjoy that spectacle!
ReplyDeleteAnd to think, most "birders" wouldn't cross the street to see an individual Starling.
Hope all is well in your part of the country.
Delighted that you managed to see one of nature's most incredible spectacles, Stewart - and capture it so well. I'm quite lucky in that there are two regular murmuration sites near me, but I've not been to see them for a coup[le of years - must go again!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from UK - - - Richard
I love these scenes of birds becoming one! It's magical !
ReplyDeleteFriendship
Very cool! The third shot looks like a duck!
ReplyDeleteGreat images! I saw them (I assume they were starlings) over Kansas back in the 90's and it was just an incredible thing to see.
ReplyDeleteMy Corner of the World
Hi Stewart, so much birds. It's like a spectacle. Beaufiful photos. Are they starlings? Have a nice sunday. Greetings Caroline
ReplyDeleteWOW! I imagine watching a murmuration of starlings would be like watching God's changing screensaver in the sky! Astounding!
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday, Stewart!
WOW! I see so much birds. It's like a spectacle
ReplyDelete