Incredible Starling roosting behaviour........

I went along to the centre of Aylesbury this evening to witness one ofthe spectacular sights of winter.  As you drive in to the car park next to the Odeon cinema there is a small group of conifers to the right of the entrance which has become the focus of an increasingly impressive starling roost. People are divided on starlings but I love them. Their plumage in close-up is amazing. a mass of white spots on a glossy black background. They are very intelligent and incredible mimics. They have declined considerably since the 1970s but they do still gather in places in sufficient numbers to make watching a winter roost quite unforgettable. Against a good sunset, and with an occasional sparrowhawk or peregrine tryin to sneak a meal, watching them as they settle to sleep is a few minutes very well spent. You can hear them in the tres singing away well after dark.