Just spent a week working in Brighton, and noticed that every evening just before sunset, hundreds of starlings would gather and fly around and under the pier. I have no idea why they do this little ritual, but it looks great!
they are coming to roost each night as the pier structure is safe from landbound predators such as foxes, there is no disturbance, and the pier lighting etc make it considerably warmer than trees in the open countryside. The wheeling around is meant to confuse aerial predators although the local Peregrines can often be seen diving through the flocks and picking off the occasional slow/weak bird!
they are coming to roost each night as the pier structure is safe from landbound predators such as foxes, there is no disturbance, and the pier lighting etc make it considerably warmer than trees in the open countryside. The wheeling around is meant to confuse aerial predators although the local Peregrines can often be seen diving through the flocks and picking off the occasional slow/weak bird!
giantchaser 2 years ago
omg thats so lush!
hospitalrulez 2 years ago