Brighton pier starlings

Over christmas I had wanted to go and see the starling murmuration at Aberystwyth. The weather at that time of year was very wet in Wales and would not have made for a good show.

Brighton is very similar to Aber in that it has a promenade and a pier where the starlings like to roost in winter. So Brighton would have to do!

Each autumn/winter, just before dusk, thousands of starlings descend on the waterfront preparing to roost for the night. The Brighton starling population is boosted by migrants coming in from Scandinavia for the winter. The numbers in Brighton can reach 40,000, but I don't think there were that many when I visited.

Starlings congregate in these large flocks to shelter from bad weather and to hypnotise predators. Prior to bed time they swirl around in large flocks to increase their body temperature; communal roosting then also serves to keep them warm during the night.

The chattering starlings can be clearly heard over the sound of the arcade machines on the pier. They are probably exchanging information about feeding grounds as they feed in different areas.

Starlings are known to roost in woodlands, reed beds, on buildings and on cliffs.

Starlings have suffered a 70% population crash across the UK and are now a 'red listed' bird , meaning it is of the highest conservation concern.

I made two visits to Brighton this winter; an easy 1 hour train journey down from London. The weather was not looking good for the first visit and I was in two minds whether to go down. Very stormy, with heavy rain not far away. However, the grey conditions and stormy seas made for some great photos.

The second time was much calmer conditions and had the better sunset. The murmuration in better weather lasted much longer; up to about 45 minutes.

The plan for next winter will be to visit earlier in the season and to attend with a better arsenal of lenses. Something to look forward to.