Tuesday 17 February 2009

Somerset Starlings

Although I didn't take this picture (you can find it and others here on the BBC web site) this is the amazing experience I encountered on my way home from work this evening. As I was leaving Glastonbury, the Tor behind me, the skies above me simply filled with what must have been millions of Starlings - and I don't exaggerate! The sky was black with them as the swooped and soared through the evening sky. It was beautiful, incredible, spectacular and awe inspiring. I've experienced this before, but only with the birds in the distance, this time they were directly above me and I almost drove the car off the road as I just had to bend my neck and keep watching them. I just wanted to fly up there and join in with them!

Apparently up to 10 million Starlings can be roosting at Westhay, Glastonbury this time of year, before they head off to eastern Europe. When I saw them this evening, just before dusk, they would have been heading back to the marshlands to roost.

What a blessing it was to witness this incredible sight this evening!

4 comments:

Moonroot said...

I had a similar experience with starlings last year: http://moonroot.blogspot.com/2008/02/ordinary-becomes-extraordinary.html

Aren't they just amazing? The power and grace and beauty of a big flock is just astinishing. I quite often wait outside in the late afternoon in winter just for the thrill of seeing the flocks pass over on their way to their evening roost.

Anonymous said...

That is stunning! I was told that the same thing can be viewed at the old pier in Brighton - I missed it on this trip, but I will catch it one day. I feel like cheering this year to see the bird return, somehow I missed them more this year than other years...

Anonymous said...

I have travelled to Glastonbury on a few occassions to witness these starling displays - brilliant and awe inspiring experients that make you marvel at the world.

Rosie Wesley said...

The Aprentice!!! I hate it too! XP I am pagan and am 13. I really want to help people physically and spiritually :) And live my life to the full and enjoy everything in it. I do not want to take anything for granted because the world does not deserve it :)