Given that there must be thousands of them here now, I am not inclined to encourage them to feed in the garden – one or two do attempt to eat the suet and it is funny watching them try and support their weight on twigs! One was practically doing the splits the other day, but he was most determined to keep on snacking!
It was only fieldfares until December then the starlings arrived – there are thousands of them! Nice murmurations, but we are too close to see properly. Often they are happening over my head!
Well it’s good to know they are somewhere. I think our nearest sighting of a good murmuration is over in Newport (Shrops). My own last sighting was over the old pier on Brighton beach. V. atmospheric and much photographed by professional photographers.
No swifts either, though the OH saw half a dozen in late May, but I haven’t seen any at all. They are usually dipping and diving all around the house at this time of year. Our bat is back though. On his own so far.
I thought you’d taken up needlework when I first looked, Jude! Is that frost? We had a good solid one here this morning but I wasn’t tempted outdoors. 🙂
…or on your screen?
Are they waiting for you to put out some food, I wonder?
Nice shot of the patient birds, Jude.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Given that there must be thousands of them here now, I am not inclined to encourage them to feed in the garden – one or two do attempt to eat the suet and it is funny watching them try and support their weight on twigs! One was practically doing the splits the other day, but he was most determined to keep on snacking!
A starling tapestry. Splendid. We never see starlings in our vicinity.
It was only fieldfares until December then the starlings arrived – there are thousands of them! Nice murmurations, but we are too close to see properly. Often they are happening over my head!
Well it’s good to know they are somewhere. I think our nearest sighting of a good murmuration is over in Newport (Shrops). My own last sighting was over the old pier on Brighton beach. V. atmospheric and much photographed by professional photographers.
Saw them on Winter Watch last night over Studland Bay – quite an impressive sight with the sun setting in the background.
Likewise a rare sight around us these days.
No fieldfares this year either 😦
Oh no that’s really sad. We’ve noticed significantly fewer swifts this year.
No swifts either, though the OH saw half a dozen in late May, but I haven’t seen any at all. They are usually dipping and diving all around the house at this time of year. Our bat is back though. On his own so far.
That cold snap in February/March must have affected them. Great about the bat though.
There are usually two, so I am hoping there still are.
Fingers crossed x
I thought you’d taken up needlework when I first looked, Jude! Is that frost? We had a good solid one here this morning but I wasn’t tempted outdoors. 🙂
No frost – just the corrugated roof of the barn next door. It was covered with starlings the other day!
Ah-ha! 🙂
Lovely birds and a nice edit Jude, I bet they’re hungry.
I’m afraid I can’t afford to feed the entire starling population here – though a few do sneak in for a snack 🙂
Love, love, love the effect on this pic! Who knew starlings were so beautiful!
They have the most beautiful iridescent purples and greens amongst their feathers, you just don’t notice it usually.
Beautiful capture, and a great addition to the roof 😀
Oddly, not in evidence this year. I suppose they go to different locations year on year.
Oh?! Intriguing.