Starling Roost @ Westhay, Somerset?

n-hatton · #1 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 05:38 PM

Hi all.

Can anyone confirm if the starling roost has reappeared at the Wildlife Trust place - Westhay, Somerset?

By chance, found it last year and had superb view. Thing is it's a 300-mile round trip for me, so wanted to see if anyone can confirm.

Looking at popping down there this Saturday.

Regards,
Neil

helen253 · #2 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 07:49 PM

actually, if I can also use this thread...I live in north tyneside and I'd love it if anyone could recommend anywhere to see anything similar up here, even if not quite on the same scale...

thanks!

Helen

mh68 · #3 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 07:51 PM

I`m currently trying to find out myself Helen (i`m up in Cramlington) if i find any good sites i`ll pass on the info

Mark H

bob hastie · #4 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 08:25 PM

Hi Neil
I'm not quite sure what the latest is on the Westhay starlings. But if you want some up to date information a hotline has been set up.
This posting from the Somerset Ornithological Society message board this week.

"Hello everyone

Just to let you know that you can phone the Avalon Marshes Starling Hotline on 07866 554142 for an up-to-date location of the starlings.

This has been jointly set up by the RSPB, Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Regards
Trish Harper - Administrator, RSPB Ham Wall"

If you are going try to make it a week day visit as it gets really busy at weekends. Also get there early enough in order to get a parking place.
Bob

ChrisJB · #5 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 09:28 PM

So far this autumn, Shapwick Heath, near Westhay has been better, but they do move about! For me, Foxybiddy's site gives the best updates: Foxy Biddy (well she did last winter anyway!)

For those in the NE, I have recently heard of a good Starling display near Gretna. Those are the only details I have.

Regards, Chris

helen253 · #6 (**permalink**) 15-11-2007, 06:49 AM

thanks mark and chris!

foxybiddy · #7 (**permalink**) 15-11-2007, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n-hatton

Hi all.

Can anyone confirm if the starling roost has reappeared at the Wildlife Trust place - Westhay, Somerset?

By chance, found it last year and had superb view. Thing is it's a 300-mile round trip for me, so wanted to see if anyone can confirm.

Looking at popping down there this Saturday.

Regards,
Neil

Hi Neil,

I went to Westhay this evening to check the starlings out; there are very few coming into Westhay, but a large amount still flocking at Shapwick Heath (visited there the day before.) I do have a log of the Somerset Starling Spectacular on my website, which I try to keep updated as often as I can (usually at least three visits a week, if not more), so if you're looking at making a long journey, you can always check it out on there if you wish. It's Foxybiddy. I don't have alot of time to get onto the Wildlife forum, what, with work, family, trips to Westhay/Shapwick, and updating my website, but when I can, I will try to put on information.

Hope this is of use to you,

Lynne

foxybiddy · #8 (**permalink**) 15-11-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

So far this autumn, Shapwick Heath, near Westhay has been better, but they do move about! For me, Foxybiddy's site gives the best updates: Foxy Biddy (well she did last winter anyway!)

For those in the NE, I have recently heard of a good Starling display near Gretna. Those are the only details I have.

Regards, Chris

Hi Chris,

I recognise those initials! Hope you're both well, As you can see, I'm still busy down here with the starlings, etc! DO make sure you look us up next time you're down this way!

Lynne

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 15-11-2007, 10:22 PM

By definition, is a Starling roost location the place they collectively spend each night?

n-hatton · #10 (**permalink**) 16-11-2007, 08:52 AM

Bob, Chris & Lynne.

Many thanks for leads and suggestions regarding starlings around Westhay (I use the name "generally" for the region as I live some 150-odd miles away).

Still not sure of name of car park and hide I found, quite by chance, last year. My car hates anything other than the smoothest of tarmac and some of the lanes suggested by my SatNav were impassable. Drove round aimlessly before finding a decent little car park. The hide I found was at the end of a boardwalk that went out through the reeds - had to walk out before realising there was a huge hide at the end - had a spectacular show of starlings - that was late February.

Will head off for the suggested Shapwick Heath in the morning - all programmed into SatNav - fingers crossed ;-)

Many thanks,
Neil