Galleries
Millions of starlings gathering in the sky above the roosting area
The murmuration becomes a dense cloud of birds as the starlings drop down toward the reedbed
The starling murmurations form swirling clouds in the sky as they seek to avoid predators
Swirling patterns in response to a Peregrine Falcon attack
The entire murmuration drops down into the reedbed
'Raining starlings'
A truly breathtaking sight (and sound) as the murmuration seems to drop out of the sky
The starling murmuration seems to drift along the reedbed as millions of birds seek a suitable roosting spot
Fewer raptors (2013) causing evasive manoevers, but even more starlings.
Once again, a huge murmuration of starlings starts to drop down into the reed-bed.
Starlings at RSPB Leighton Moss
Starlings
Images from an memorable evening spent at Shapwick Heath in the Somerset Levels. An estimated 3.5 million (Common) Starlings came in to roost in the heath reedbeds. They gathered in large numbers in the sky above us before dropping down toward the reeds. As they approached, they were attacked by Sparrowhawks and Peregrine Falcons. Their defensive formations created wonderful swirling patterns in the sky. A small group of birds dropped down into the reeds just in front of us, which was a signal to the rest of the flock. The entire flock seemed to rain down out of the sky. The noise from millions of beating wings and calling birds was incredible. A truly breathtaking wildlife experience.
