Tornadoes near Calverstown?

Well, not quite, writes local Conservation Ranger Roy Thompson. These remarkable pictures show the pre-roosting social flight display of Starlings; they were captured from Powell's Bridge, half a mile the Narraghmore side of Calverstown.

Starlings are a native Irish bird and occur on farmland, in suburban areas and in woodland. Post-breeding flocks can reach emormous size by winter-time. Many of these groups come together, augmented by an influx of migrants from Northern Europe, to form these spectacular winter roosts. I estimate the Powell's Bridge roost to be about 25,000 strong; winter roost numbers peak about now and as days lengthen the roost will begin to slowly break up as the birds turn their attention to breeding and finding nest sites; in the case of the migrants- they have a return journey to make. The location of the roost can move, so they may not use the same place year after year- last year this roost was at Sherrifhill near Moone. A couple of years ago it was across the road in McCall's, and a few years before that it was in private forestry adjoining my garden in Blackhall.

Perhaps hard to believe when one is watching such a roost, but Starling numbers have declined quite dramatically over past decades. This is largely as a result of the changing nature of landuse and the loss of feeding habitat. The proliferation of chemicals in commercial farming has had a detrimental effect on soil organisms such as earthworms, insects and grubs; this impacts on the availability of feeding for birds such as Starlings and Rooks.

That's for another day- in the meantime if you want to witness this spectacle you have about another two weeks to see it at its best. The birds begin to assemble -slowly at first in very small groups- from about 30-45mins before sunset; depending on the brigtness of late afternoon they are usually at full strength by about 1745 the last few days. If its a bright day it'll be a bit later, so be patient- it's worth it!