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Starlings

© 2013 Alan Mackenzie.

 

www.alanmackenziephotography.com

 

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It's that time of year again, when starlings form murmurations over Brighton Pier. An estimated two or three thousand birds gathered on Saturday 2nd November 2013. This will inevitably increase over the coming weeks. I have made it my intention to be present on a very regular basis, provided the sun is visible. Sunshine and showers or clear skies is best. Hazy mid-to-high level cloud results in an unattractive blown out solar disk.

 

Photographing starling murmurations is extremely difficult, even with a Canon 1-series body and 300mm f/2.8 lens. Most shots taken are rejected. Some of my best photos from last winter were taken within seconds of each other. It all depends on a number of factors occurring at the right time, hence the need to be at the pier at every available opportunity.

 

On a final note, you may recall that a starling photo of mine from last year was short-listed in a competition run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Thank you to everyone who voted for mine. Here are the winners... www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/2013/10/fox-on-top/

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Uploaded on November 16, 2012
Taken on November 14, 2012