Starling roost in Suffolk - help please!

[maccyd82]

Hi all,

Im going to Minsmere tomorrow and was wondering if there were any large starling roosts in that area at the moment where I could stop at on my way home to Bury St Edmunds? Ive read that they do happen at Minsmere but can find no info on whether this is happening right now. Ive also read about the one at Snape (Maltings?), but again no current info on if it might be worth a diversion to see.

Any help would be much appreciated! The last big starling flock I saw was at Brighton pier a year ago today and I would love to see it again.

[Jonners]

Just before Christmas, the RSPB reported that their starling roost had moved away, possibly to Dingle Marshes (access from Dunwich village). I would give Minsmere a ring (01728 648281) to see if they're back - they're certainly worth seeing.

[jcyprus]

hi maccyd82 ,
i'm lucky to Live close to minsmere and therefore i visit there often , There has recently been a gathering of around 6,000 starlings visible from north wall . This seems to be at the expense of snape maltings which usually experiences this great spectacle, peregrines and even a hen harrier have been attracted.
Try this link and scroll down until the post for 7th of december that should provide you with some good info. The RSPB: Minsmere: Recent sightings

[Acipiter]

It may seem like a silly question, but how do they count the number of birds? It can only be a rough guess surely. Thank you.

[jcyprus]

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It may seem like a silly question, but how do they count the number of birds? It can only be a rough guess surely. Thank you.

It's merely an estimation when very extensive amounts of birds are present then this is the method used .

[Acipiter]

As I thought, high tec.