The last 5 or 6 days have been perfect for the migration of birds from the increasingy cold continent. Lots of winter visitors from the north and east have been passing through the reserve but we have never seen anything like the invasion of starlings we have had in the last few days.
On Monday 12th October we were surprised when a group of 10,000 starlings came into roost in the reed bed at dusk. This group also included a rose-coloured starling; an invader from Asia. On Tuesday, the flock had grown to some 20,000 strong, Wednesday saw the flock grow to an impressive 25,000.
Last night, Thursday 15th October the flock had grown again to an impressive 50,000 birds with several observers saying the flock was even bigger! It was one of the most impressive sights I have seen anywhere in the birding world never mind at my local Titchwell!
The spectacle is likely to go on for a few more days yet and with perfect migration weather forecast for the weekend the flock may even grow larger in number.
If you would like to see the flock, the place to be is on the west bank path from 5.30pm until dusk.
Keep on birding!
Unfortunately the large group did not show on Saturday night but there was still an impressive 6000-8000 birds washing on the fresh marsh and roosting in the general area of the reserve.