Flocking birds

I went looking for the Highland cattle on Minchinhampton Common this morning. There have been just a few of them roaming and grazing here this summer, but I think they have all gone to pastures new. I expect the 1st November was when the cattle had to be removed. They usually arrive on the 15th May each year from their winter quarters. In the distance, I did see two Belted Galloways but that was all. They are allowed to stay as they are very hardy and can survive on the steep and slippery slopes in winter. The Commoners have rights to graze their cattle here for certain periods, keeping up the long traditions which ensure this National Trust land is maintained for the benefit of its rare Cotswold mixed grassland.

The weather was grey and it felt like drizzle was imminent. I suddenly saw a flock of birds, which I have occasionally seen here and tried to photograph. I assume they are starlings, but wouldn't really know if they were not. At last, I had the opportunity to use the new camera's speed of capture, and started clicking. Given that I only had seconds to prepare, I am pleased with the result. In the background is the Old Lodge, a pub set right in the middle of the Common, where we sometimes eat very well, and sit out in summer breezes. The golf course clubhouse is near there too and accounts for the parked cars.

As the flock flew rapidly away from their brief bout of feeding on the ground, I looked up in the sky to follow them. Two Kestrels, hovered in the air, just above the flight path of the flock of starlings. They both suddenly swooped and I realised they were trying to fly at the flock to swipe one of the starlings for lunch. They didn't manage it this time, but I bet it won't be long. Several of the starlings flew up to hassle the Kestrels and put them off, just as the crows do to the buzzards above our house.

Life out here is tough.