I was looking forward to the WeBS count this morning at Stithians especially getting to grips with the Water Rail. Hoping to record at least six but unfortunately only managed four. Good numbers of Little Grebe (15) and Black-headed Gull (212) though. Unfortunately with the water levels being as high as they are there is no opportunity to spot colour rings on the Gulls.
A WeBS count of Pendarves Lake didnt give much so -
It was down to Marazion for the Starling roost. Approx 30,000 last weekend, 50,000-60,000 mid week, 220,000 reported last night. Too good to miss. Whilst the sheer volume of birds was great, the wind pretty much killed it with the birds flying straight into the bushes after gathering in the fields with very little chattering being heard.
Will try again next weekend hopefully.
Showing posts with label Starlings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starlings. Show all posts
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Twitcher extraordinairre?
certainly not, however the bird in question was far more intresting than any rarity. Sturnus Vulgaris or European Starling have been roosting en masse at Marazion, the thought of 35,000 of them roosting within a 20 minute drive was too much for me aided with being out of season for nest recording.
A mega rare trip away from my two nest recording patches saw me at the marshes around 3pm, rather early but no problem as i waited for a Bittern to fly across the reedbed. It didnt happen but a Spoonbill did drop in from behind and subsequently gave splendid views feeding in the open. A worthy replacement.
As the Water Rail's and Cetti's Warblers began to call out, the Starlings began to arrive in sixes and sevens.
Soon enough the flocks coming in were gaining in size and the surrounding fields and trees were just a moving black mass as the light began to fade. With many shapes being formed in the skies as the Starlings twisted and turned, a long line was formed as the masses flew over the reedbed to roost. The chattering was immense as they swayed on the reeds wary of a Buzzard flying overhead.
Ok, so it wasnt the spectacle that the Somerset Levels give but a 20 minute drive living in Cornwall makes it just as enjoyable.
Superb evening with the focus being on a common garden bird. Fantastic stuff......
The black mass encircled in red are the thousands of Starlings going to roost.
A mega rare trip away from my two nest recording patches saw me at the marshes around 3pm, rather early but no problem as i waited for a Bittern to fly across the reedbed. It didnt happen but a Spoonbill did drop in from behind and subsequently gave splendid views feeding in the open. A worthy replacement.
As the Water Rail's and Cetti's Warblers began to call out, the Starlings began to arrive in sixes and sevens.
Soon enough the flocks coming in were gaining in size and the surrounding fields and trees were just a moving black mass as the light began to fade. With many shapes being formed in the skies as the Starlings twisted and turned, a long line was formed as the masses flew over the reedbed to roost. The chattering was immense as they swayed on the reeds wary of a Buzzard flying overhead.
Ok, so it wasnt the spectacle that the Somerset Levels give but a 20 minute drive living in Cornwall makes it just as enjoyable.
Superb evening with the focus being on a common garden bird. Fantastic stuff......
The black mass encircled in red are the thousands of Starlings going to roost.
and yes - the noise in the video is coming from the Starlings and NOT background noise
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