Murmurs of a murmuration

I have wanted to see a starling murmuration for some years now. With the weather looking OK on my day off and news that there were starlings starting to roost at Fen Drayton Lakes, not to far from my house, I set off.














The lakes were lovely in the late afternoon light and there was plenty of activity from other birds such as rooks and gulls. Just as the light was fading the starlings started to gather and a small flock formed, swooping across the sky before dropping down into the reed bed to roost for the night. Over the following 20 minutes or so, small groups of stragglers flew in, quickly dropping down to join the others in the reeds.

It wasn't a huge murmuration, but great to finally see my first! I think I trip to somewhere such as the Somerset levels to see one of the truly huge flocks form is definitely in order.

Back to York

As is usually the way with these things my time on the Isle of Man was over all too quickly. I had a brilliant summer helping Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch with their work, collecting data for my project, meeting some lovely people, and enjoying the beautiful island.

As well as conducting boat surveys for cetaceans and photo-ID of Risso's dolphins I was able to take part in many other aspects of MWDW work such as: two surveys on the Steam Packet passenger ferry to Belfast, hosting a stand at Port Erin beach festival and Peel carnival, conduct watches from land stations around the island, learn to use some new software, and be interviewed for Manx Radio! All in all some great experiences!

Peel sunset

Starlings at Peel Castle

Risso's dolphin

Grey seal feeding

White Beach

Manx Grand Prix

Isle of Man

As part of my MSc at the University of York I have to undertake a summer placement. I chose to do a project with the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch on the Isle of Man. I will be surveying boat users to understand their knowledge of the marine megafauna here and help to raise awareness.

I have been here for three weeks now and things have started well with the project. The weather has also been great allowing for some surveys to take place from both land and boat. There have been some lovely sightings of Risso's dolphins and I have had the chance to explore a little of this lovely island.

Peel

Laxey Wheel

Risso's dolphin

Common dolphin