A miraculous sight and a musical evening among the pine trees

2011.12.10

I saw the most astonishing sight on my way to a concert this afternoon – a murmuration of starlings. I spent about half an hour watching in amazement as thousands of these birds darted and weaved above me, in what looked like a black cloud that was forever changing shape. I’ve never seen one before so I couldn’t resist taking a few photos – sadly there wasn’t enough light to make any of them worth posting here. Apparently they regularly gather over this particular part of Chichester so I hope to go back another day when the light is better.

After my detour I finally made it to St. John’s Chapel for my concert – luckily I’d allowed oodles of time so I wasn’t late! I’ve posted photos from here before but wasn’t able to get up on the balcony last time I visited. Before we started rehearsing I set my camera up on the balcony on a tripod to take some photos remotely and I caught a few frames of me conducting among the many decorated trees that were on display as part of their Christmas tree festival. If you want to see St. John’s without all the trees please click here.

Wow! To my faves, Helen. this is a fantastic shot! The colors and the mood are phenominal. You look awesome doing your thing! Lovely trees. Yes, those starling shows are something else. We have them almost everyday recently. They are something else. The quick turns and seemingly endless procession are surreal. I remember many years ago, the first time I saw one, I though it was a signal that the world was ending!!! hahahaha

danrav · 2011-12-10: 18:51

Wonderful capture

mystic1 · 2011-12-10: 21:39

great mood and capture

GKorts · 2011-12-11: 00:29

I remember effectively your comment... That current comes to complete your previous series, bringing it this magic touch which want the circumstances of this festive time. Bravo Helen

josy63 · 2011-12-11: 00:46

Hi Helen, they do it every night in Chichester, over the area around Chichester Gate, the train station and Avenue De Chartres. The Prebendal School field provides a good view, though somewhere near the canal basin or the train station will give you a closer view. They start off small as dusk approaches and build up hugely as the evening goes on. I think it started to happen there a few years ago, it certainly looks impressive!

jehodgson · 2011-12-11: 04:29