The radios crackled into life late on Thursday afternoon to say that starlings were gathering on the Scrape. The excitement levels rose in the office as word spread that several thousands had started displaying behind South Hide. I didn't get a chance to go out then, and wasn't at Minsmere over the weekend, so tonight was the first chance that I had to head out and watch the spectacle for myself.

And what a spectacle it was, with an incredible sunset. It was made even better by the family of whooper swans on the pool behind South Hide. I missed the two peregrines attacking the flock - probably while taking photos of the swirling cloud of starlings.

If you want to see the action for yourself, I suggest aiming to be behind South Hide from 3 pm to see the start of the performance and remaining for up to an hour until the birds spiral into the reeds for the night.

Below is a series of photos from tonight's performance.

The advance guard arrives

Is this really called the Pool of Despair? 

The moon looked pretty good too

The whoopers wanted a piece of the action

Can the starlings form a tighter flock?

Any fancy counting them? We estimate there are 10 000 at the moment, but we hope the flock will increase in size.