Two worlds colliding as the majestic displays of starling murmurations at dusk are punctuated by the intrusive sound of high speed trains on the East Coast mainline railway. Large gatherings of starlings congregating just after sunset before settling down on the reedbed surrounds of a local lake - whilst 125mph LNER express trains roar by, whistling a warning for a long-since disappeared footpath across the tracks! (the warning sign remains in place for the northbound trains, not those heading south).
Part of the video shows the starlings battling the approach of Storm Eunice, one of three named storms within a five day period in February 2022 - in contrast to the more-relaxed scenes at the start and end of the video.
It's quite difficult to reduce over two hours of video into just 12 minutes to capture the spectacle - since nothing beats being there, witnessing the event 'live' especially when the location is accessed by bike, less than a mile from home.
You'll notice some use of the tripod, some extra amateur footage in the face of gusty winds and squalls of rain - and a longer 'less dramatic' sequence at the end for those who can withstand the whole twelve minutes! (the lower light scenes were filmed in infra-red)
You might disagree with the mixture of loud trains and soothing patterns of nature - but this is the real world where the birds seem unaffected by the trains - and by the vicious gusts of wind. It's easy to edit out all the unpleasant sounds but that seems less genuine.
I hope you enjoy viewing - and please feel very welcome to share the link with those you think would appreciate it. There are many more videos in the DBLM Wildlife collection, available on Youtube by choosing the Dave Benjamin channel - and maybe selecting the 'DBLM Wildlife - Complete Playlist'. Leaving a comment is always greatly appreciated - and there is always the option to subscribe and click the notifications button.......

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