Starlings are noisy bossy birds, I know when they descend upon the bird feeder there will be little left, empty coconut shells knocked to the ground and fat balls depleted in the blink of an eye. I can’t help admiring their starry plumage and their cheeky chatter though and would love to witness a murmuration , where flocks of starlings sky dance the heavens . Instead I will make do with this poem by Mary Oliver who perfectly captures the spirit of these characterful birds.
Photos were taken in Melmerby over the wintery wknd , where several starlings gathered & chattered.
Have you seen a murmuration’?
sunshine and celandines 
I’ve seen groups of birds, waxwings, and snow buntings gather and fly like starlings. Are all groups of birds called murmurations? Quite incredible!!
Hi you know, I’m not sure. I thought it was just starlings, but buntings and waxwings are much rarer here so seldom seen as often. When hundreds of starlings gather in the sky they create moving shapes called murmurations. I would love to see a waxwing or a snow bunting though, single or plural. Fab. X
I used to think they bullied the other birds in our garden but they’re as likely to squabble with each other as the smaller birds, and the sparrows don’t seem intimidated.
They do squabble a lot. Happily my sparrows and bluetits decide to ignore them too. 🙂 X
We get them every year over our village, it is an amazing sight. We know the good spots to go and watch them now, we will be going to watch them next week if the weather is not too awful. There are a few places in Cumbria where you can see them, I believe. I am sure if you searched online you would find a place you could see them near you. They are amazing and well worth making the effort to go out and see them.
Ok thank you. I will do a bit of research. X
I have never been lucky enough to see a murmuration , but like you I love the starlings – the iridescent colours and the cheek of them. There is always one who that bit more aggressive, making sure to get the lion’s share of food.
They remind me of the rock stars of the bird world, trashing their hotel room/ bird feeders. 😅
Around dusk thousands of starlings flock (murmurate?) between Blackpool’s Central and North piers. They also hang around the Big One!
That must be a sight to see!!!
We’ve seen murmurations a few times, usually on our break between Christmas and New Year – maybe that’s a good time for them?
Wow, I haven’t seen one, I’m really missing out. Yes it’s definitely a winter thing. X
The only murmeration I have seen was would you believe it in Swindon, and it was just wonderful. DIL was so blase about it, oh yes every night they come down to roost. It was gorgeous. I am quite fond of starlings.
Wow, that sounds impressive Cathy. Xx
Now you mention them we don’t appear to have starlings here. I’ afraid I’ve never particularly liked them with their pushy nature.
They are definitely pushy! But I’ve grown to like them, their numbers have actually declined. 😦
That’s a shame. I might not be keen, but I wish them no ill and declining numbers of birds is rarely a good sign.
Due to changing farming methods I believe. X
I think you’re right. Shame we’re only just working out the old ways were the best.
Just doing a quick catchup once again & although we do get starlings out here, they aren’t a noticeable as many of our other birds here where we live. Never seen a murmeration, but have seen flocks of other birds, especially our noisy corellas & our large ibis. The ibis quite often fly in formation which is lovely to see. Take care & thanks for sharing the poem & photos.
You definitely have some amazing birdlife in your neck of the woods Susan. 🙂 X
I love starlings but have never seen a murmuration. We do get huge groups of swallows over our fields though. There are hundreds of them ready to fly south and it is a fantastic sight.
Beautiful poem. I have seen a murmuration, it pulses with a life of it’s own. It’s during the end of August when the yarden is overrun with starlings. They are squabbly, voracious en-mass. I love them though!