Blackpool, Lancashire. UK Weather. 15th February, 2018. Glorious sunset over the North Pier as Starlings gather at Blackpool as dusk approaches. Tens & tens of thousands of these migratory birds congregate on the foreshore before flying to their roosts in the relative shelter of the pier structure. High winds at the coast has forced the birds to take some respite on the beach before flying to their roost. A very unusual phenomenon, rarely seen and unique to this coast. Credit: MediaWorldImages/AlamyLiveNews.
Autumn roosts usually begin to form in November, though this varies from site to site and some can begin as early as September. More and more birds will flock together as the weeks go on, and the number of starlings in a roost can swell to around 100,000 in some places. They mainly choose to roost in places which are sheltered from harsh weather and predators, such as woodlands, but reedbeds, cliffs, buildings and industrial structures are also used. The starling population has fallen by more than 80 per cent in recent years, meaning they are now on the critical list of UK birds most at risk. The decline is believed to be due to the loss of permanent pasture, increased use of farm chemicals and a shortage of food and nesting sites in many parts of the UK. Co-ordinated flying displays by flocks of Starlings are often a feature at pre-roosting areas, but the most spectacular displays occur at the main roost, when very large numbers of birds fly together, prior to final roosting. On many evenings, however, the Starlings may quickly enter the roost on arrival, or give only a brief flying display.
Size: 2400px × 3600px
Location: Blackpool, UK
Photo credit: © MediaWorldImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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