Flocks and Flocks of Them

Winter is the time when many birds group themselves into large flocks.  For some of them the motivation may be protection: this flock of almost a hundred starlings stand a better chance of surviving the attentions of the local sparrowhawk if there are multiple pairs of eyes on the lookout.  Moments before this picture was taken they were back at their aerial acrobatics - the starling equivalent of synchronised swimming.

This flock seems to be based around The Ferry Stores but they are pictured here flying across Tabar na Biolar, the croft house at the rear of the Stores.

We have more than our usual share of resident seagulls this year.  There's no direct evidence for this, but they seemed to arrive about the time we had the sprat trawlers in the Sound, and didn't go away with them.  They spend most of their time roosting on the rocks around Kilchoan Bay, but on this occasion they came up and settled in the field below Grianan farmhouse.

The curlews are rather solitary birds for most of the year, but in the months leading up to the New Year they form packs and raid the croft fields for worms and other food.  They are the devil to photograph
as, the minute they see a human, they turn away and start walking stiffly down the field.  The closest approach they'll allow is about 100m before they take off, giving their very characteristic high, screeching call.

The groups are usually of about twelve individuals, but these are beginning to break up, and more birds are to be seen flying alone.

Like so many creatures, they're much less afraid if approached by cars, which is how this picture was taken.  It's only when one does get near them that the size of their beak is apparent.  How they manage stable flight with that long thing stuck out in front must be one of the miracles of nature.

The oystercatchers are also coming into the fields, but they spend much of their time along the tide line. Even in winter they're remarkably smart birds, looking like vicars dressed for formal dinner.