Starling roost at Leighton Moss photos from 4th Nov 2009.

Birderbryan · Status: Offline

Starling roost at Leighton Moss photos from 4th Nov 2009.

Ste Rush · Status: Offline

Hey Bryan
Thanks for posting the pics, that is impressive indeed. What a sight.....I am well overdue a visit so may make it a priority. Went up two years ago but did not see those kinds of numbers.

Wonder if the view from the bench on the path as you turn right out of the entrance overlooking the reeds would be a good spot?

PS on the bottom picture look at the 32nd bird in from the bottom right as I am am sure it is a Rose coloured Starling......!

Thanks again B

-- Edited by Ste Rush on Wednesday 4th of November 2009 08:09:05 PM

Birderbryan · Status: Offline

Hi Ste, thanks for checking out and replying.

I have now checked the photo out again and definately your right it is a Rosy-Coloured!! got even a better close up here so click on the link:

Is it really a Rosy Coloured (click here)

Yep, you've got it! that is without doubt the best spot with the seat on the pathway between the RSPB building and the causeway entrance... park up causeway entrance or rspb car park. You should also see the egrets going through to roost from there also. (up to 50 at times). Roost is at 50,000 at present. You will get 90% of all roost from this site. There is the odd times when they prefer reeds out of view from here but your sure of it 9 out of 10.

If you want to let me know if you come up, I will come across its only about 10mins from our house, there again, I am there most nights anyway. They are coming in at present on average light days from about 3.30pm but adjust this 10 minutes either way dependant on light that day. I go from 3pm and be sure.....

Bryan.

-- Edited by Birderbryan on Thursday 5th of November 2009 10:35:01 AM

-- Edited by Birderbryan on Thursday 5th of November 2009 10:55:45 AM

Ina · Status: Offline

Is that Goa Bryan?
If not they are growing some exotic plants in Silverdale these days. biggrin

Well you never know, global warming and all that.

Birderbryan · Status: Offline

Hello Ina,
Yes you've got it! Its sunny GOA. Loads of Rosy Coloured's.... I thought ordinary Starlings could be nasty, until I saw the Rosy Coloured which must rank amongst the top bullies going!!
Great to hear from you.
Bryan.

Ste Rush · Status: Offline

Hi Bryan

LOL on the post.

I sat in one of the hides last time I was looking to watch the Starling roost and did wonder about that bench area as the open aspect looked far better, Will try that on our next visit and a cuppa will be on us.

Bloody hell the picture of the Rossies is familiar....must be at base of Baga hill? no?

I can almost feel the warmth of the sun from the picture.....we are off there again shortly....have you managed to book a trip with all the upheaval? It seems that it may well be a ROC meet out in Goa as several members are seemingly going shortly!

Cheers for the info.

Birderbryan · Status: Offline

Hi Ste,
Yes go to the bench at Leighton, forget the hides, you will be restricted with the hides.

No I havnt managed to book GOA yet, probably give it a miss this year, unless I sell the house back in Hassy, then we can have a bonus!! Glad your going again, I now cant wait to read your next fabulous comprehensive report...

Rossies - no not Baga Hill, (click over this link)

but can see where your coming from with that.

Its close to a little village which lies to the back of the Highland Resort at Candolim, very

near to the big white Catholic Church (click over this link)

(its a sort of backroad which can lead to Panjim), and which does have some great marshes and saltpans nearby, but I cant remember name. But every night before roost they get telephone lines or Pylons full of Rossies and also the jungle mynas en masse. In fact not sure but feel like they might just roost around there.. If you want to mark the spot let me know and I will give you some more clearly defined instructions.

When the Club have their next photo show, let me know and I will bring down some of my GOA pics along with some of the Fritillaries etc... Are you going to bring along your GOA pics to the next film show night...

Regards,
Bryan.

-- Edited by Birderbryan on Friday 6th of November 2009 11:54:43 AM

-- Edited by Birderbryan on Friday 6th of November 2009 11:56:08 AM