The art of Starlings

[dewmuw]

The closest starling roost to me is at Runcorn. This wasn't the best display I've seen - but there are plenty of birds here. If you can get to see a starling roost just do it - one of the greatest wildlife spectacles you can see. The patterns they make are stunning.

http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/71151157.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/71151155.jpg

[weemannie]

Those bring back memories, Damian :) I remember when I worked in the West End of London, walking through Leicester Sq. in the evenings. The sight and sound was amazing.

[Reyno]

Beautiful perspective capture. Nicely done Damian.

[dewmuw]

It was great to see - they swoop down very low and you can hear the sounds of their wings. As the winter gets colder (if it does) numbers here can grow to up to 100,000. I guesstimate there to be about 10,000 here.

I bet you really miss Leicester Sq.!! ;).

Thanks for looking.

[dewmuw]

Beautiful perspective capture. Nicely done Damian.

Thanks Reyno. I took these with my 17-40 - first bird shots with it!

[LindaB]

Two fabulous shots! I second what you have said about seeing this, it is so worth seeing. The nearest one to me, that I know of, is at Brighton where they roost on the old north pier (whats left of it). I dont go to Brighton that often but when I do I make sure I am nearby so that I can watch - it is absolutely fascinating and quite mesmerising. I intend to try and get some pics of them one day.

Great to see your shots of this :)

Linda

[dewmuw]

Thanks Linda. It is amazing, like they become one giant organism moving with one mind. Just a wonder to behold.

[Phreddie]

I used to ride a bike to work from Wallasey to Birkenhead and back, across the 'four bridges' in Birkenhead docks in the late 50's early 60's, there were thousands of starlings roosting in the area then. Unlucky for you if they passed directly overhead - hence the name they were given of S**** Hawks :o :o

Great evocative sites and well caught!

[Gary Fairhead]

I have seen this in groups of maybe 200, but nothing of this magnitude. Like schooling fish ! Nicely captured and shows what must be quite a spectacle in real life.

[Anthony J Howe]

It is amazing, like they become one giant organism moving with one mind. Just a wonder to behold.

I agree and you have captured the essence of this in your shots Damian, well done.

[dewmuw]

I used to ride a bike to work from Wallasey to Birkenhead and back, across the 'four bridges' in Birkenhead docks in the late 50's early 60's, there were thousands of starlings roosting in the area then. Unlucky for you if they passed directly overhead - hence the name they were given of S**** Hawks :o :o

Great evocative sites and well caught!

I bet you wouldn't recognise the place now!

[dewmuw]

Thanks Gary and Tony. They are amazing - I'm hoping for a bigger bunch if the winter gets colder.