Journey to Devon - Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath

February half-term meant a trip to Devon to see my parents. We also had a busy schedule planned.  First up was a call in to Ham Wall (RSPB) and Shapwick Heath (English Nature) reserves on the Somerset levels. Both are stunningly beautiful and have an amazing array of wildlife. The main attraction for us was the Starling murmurations. We had called the starling hot line and been informed that the roost could be viewed from Ham Wall viewing platform nuumber 2.

Shapwick Heath

We arrived at around 1 o'clock so decided to have a look around Shapwick first and then walk over to the viewing platform for around 5. Highlights were the Great White Egret and Marsh Harrier, both of which I never tire of watching. I was disappointed that my only view of the Marsh Harrier was short and distant. There were also good numbers of Pochard and Wigeon.

Bracket Fungi

As it got closer to 5 so the excitement started to build, and so did the people. There were quite a few by the time we got to the viewing platform. It was not long before we started to see the first few groups of starling coming in met with great excitement from the relatively large crowd.

Ham Wall

Very quickly there were uncountable numbers of starling swirling in the sky in front of us with the crowd  behind  gasping with delight. It was quite breath taking. I was really pleased to see large numbers of families with small children watching one of natures greatest displays. Unfortunately, they were a long way off and only performed for a couple of minutes but we were very pleased that we had the privilege to watch them.

How and why they do this is not fully understood. However, being in large group will offer safety in numbers from predators. They will also gain warmth from each other in the roost, and vital information about feeding sights. Despite these huge numbers in the murmurations starling, like so much of our wildlife is in decline and starlings have reduced by over 70% in the last 30 years!!!!! If this continues those children at Ham Wall could be amongst the last people to see such a wonderful display.