COUNTRY PASSION
You’ll find photographer Sarah Mason looking up to the skies this winter, hoping to experience the wonder of starling murmurations
Photographer and filmmaker Sarah Mason lives with her young family in the Yorkshire Dales. Heading out in search of starlings swooping, swirling and diving through the sky is one of her favourite winter experiences
The twitcher in me had always wanted to see a murmuration of starlings. The idea of thousands of beautiful birds swirling through the sky in perfect unison, never colliding – it amazed and intrigued me. A couple of winters ago, my partner, Suzi, and I decided to go in search of the spectacle. We packed
up the car and drove north to Gretna Green in Scotland, one of the best places to witness it in the UK.
Holed up in a little Airbnb, we had the most amazing views over Solway Firth. The first evening was pretty grey and wet, so we didn’t hold out much hope. But as we drove into Gretna, I noticed a smudge on the horizon out of the corner of my eye. We followed the black cloud as it moved across the sky, and then suddenly we were right underneath it. As dusk raced in, smaller groups joined and the flock grew.
It was one of the most amazing sights I’ve ever witnessed. Through their silent dance, the starlings were creating the most amazing patterns, like tea leaves swirling in the pot. We’ve since learnt that every starling keeps a beady eye on the other seven around it, which is how they stay in formation. We were lucky enough to see these beautiful shape-shifters on three consecutive evenings, so it was well worth the trip, and the creative inspiration I felt from seeing them has stayed with me.
Now, with winter upon us, I’m itching to see another murmuration. This time our daughter will be with us – I hope she feels the magic, too! sarahmasonphotography.co.uk