Paid another visit to the Starling roost at Willington Gravel Pits yesterday and the numbers were better with the full flock remaining in the air together until they all finally dropped into the reeds together. There was also the bonus of a couple of Sparrowhawks hunting the flock which created some brilliant movement and shapes. The only let down was the cloudy sky which didn't relent until the end of the show.
The numbers were good, reaching c5000, which meant I had to switch to the wide angle set up to get them all in the frame.
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| Sparrowhawk below the flock |
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| Sparrowhawk below the flock |
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| The cloud relents a little allowing a little colour into the sky |
Photos look great David. Where in Willington is the best place to go to see the starling murmuration or how do you get to the gravel pits? What time in the afternoon should I arrive? Thanks
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the roost has departed, there have been no reports for some weeks. The flooding may have prevented the Starlings using the reed bed due to the high water level.
DeleteThat is a shame. Do you know anywhere else in the area to see the display? Thanks for letting me know.
DeleteNot sure for certain but the old claypits behind Stewartby lake, at the Marston Vale Country Park has had a good size roost in past years. I haven't heard of any roosts on the local birding forum but that's not to say there aren't any around. A bit further afield, RSPB Fen Drayton was always a good bet but I hear that hasn't happened this year. Hope you manage to track one down.
DeleteWillen lake used to be a good place, to watch the starling murmuration.
ReplyDelete