starlings

[ieatbees]

Where can i watch Starlings all flying in formation like on Bill Oddies nature programme?

I missed where he was watching the Starlings from, and what time of year is best.

[Noweia]

I know in Belfast you get them around one of the main bridges in the evenings, not sure about the rest of the UK though!

[rosyrussell]

I think it was somewhere in some reed beds in the Severn Eastury, but not sure exactly where, I am afraid.

[andyjevs]

Over the old, deralict west pier in Brighton is always spectacular. I thought the best time of year was autumn but stand to be corrected.

[valsuey]

I saw that too. Wasn't it amazing? Last time I went over to France we were waiting to board the train(Eurotunnel) and we saw loads of starlings coming home to roost for the night in a line of trees. I have never seen so many,it was a wonderful sight. Not quite as many as Bill Oddie saw though.

[Cetti]

As andyjevs says it is generally one of the most spectacular sights of late autumn watching starlings swirl around before going to roost. Bill was watching them near Bristol overlooking the Severn estuary. The Beeb never give out exact locations which is a bit mean although understandable.

You don't say where you live ietbees, but try contacting your local RSPB and I'm sure they will tell you if there is a local roost nearby...or go to the main BBC Homepage http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/planetearth/flashapp/

and launch the Planet Earth explorer. It's a huge site, but here you will find the video of the Flocking Starlings, plus all the video clips shown in this series (and other wildlife programmes) including the Polar Bear cubs, courting Birds of Paradise and the termite eating Chimps.

[ieatbees]

Thanks everyone that is really useful.

[logman]

Where I live, I rarely see any starlings at all, but that all changes for about 2-3 weeks in early summer, just as the leaves on the mature oak trees,which are abundant here abuots begin to unfoil, thats the time when the tortrix moth caterpillars are busy eating the oak leaves and the starlings quickly move in to feed on them and to feed their young also..

[lilacben]

hi there are plenty of them down here in Somerset- Chard

[Sequin]

Runcorn Bridege every night as I drive home

[ShellyHall]

I travelled down the M6 from Cumbria to Cheshire on Tuesday afternoon. I saw a group of Starlings flying in formation. You can't help but watch them.