Sunset Murmuration

Last week I visited Martin Mere again on a couple of occasions. The main purpose of my visits were to try and capture some images of the starling murmuration currently taking place over the reedbeds. As usual I visited other hides to see the pinkfoots and whooper swans .The swan numbers were building up nicely and again gave nice opportunities for more images.Around mid afternoon I went to the Harrier Hide to get a good spot to witness the starlings.

It was a lovely warm and sunny afternoon as the spell of settled weather continued.Around 4.30pm a few starlings began to appear and it wasn't long before more and more appeared.A good number, possibly around twenty thousand eventually grouped together and flew around the far perimeter of the reserve before settling down. It was a splendid sight as they flew in formation against a lovely background of sunlit clouds. All too soon it was over and darkness rapidly descended over Martin Mere.As I was leaving the reserve car park thousands of pink footed geese were arriving to spend the night on the meres and surrounding fields. It was a magical sound and sight and will long live in the memory.

 Hope you enjoy my images of what was a wonderful experience of one of nature's magical moments. Thanks for looking in.Next on the agenda will be to try and capture some shots of short eared owls.Currently many birds have arrived in the country and I think the mosslands of Lancashire will soon be seeing a few for us to enjoy.The weather needs to improve a bit,this week has been dank and dreary so far .Hopefully the sun will return and I will be out and about again to capture more of Lancashire'sn wonderful wildlife.