Starlings

They came in off the sea on a broad front, some flocks in tight balls, others strung out like stretched elastic and even more in small congregations, seemingly detached from the masses. They flew directly, with purpose and urgency. The larger flocks could be seen even at distance, dark smudges against a light grey sky, thickening and thinning as parts of the flock overtook others, an ornithological Etch-a-Sketch. They started to arrive shortly after first light, peaked between 08.00 - 10.00hrs and carried on in ever decreasing numbers until mid-afternoon. How many? At least 10,000, all heading NW to N, and now roosting many miles away, many of them for the first time in this country. Welcome!

Comments

Dylan Wrathall said…
Nicely written - simple pleasure is a wonderful thing - Dyl
21 October 2016 at 20:49
Unknown said…
A couple of days ago, I watched 'London, The Modern Babylon' and saw some of the Starlings around Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square which I think you mentioned not so long ago. It is currently on iPlayer. Only a second or two but the whole thing is watchable anyway.
21 October 2016 at 22:22
Steve Gale said…
Amen to that Dyl
21 October 2016 at 22:31
Steve Gale said…
I too watched that programme Andrew and was captivated by it.
21 October 2016 at 22:32
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