Starlings over Stratford Upon Avon

[Will]

Hi all,

Wanted to share this with you. I filmed these starlings from the roof of the multi story carpark on the gyratory road. I see them flocking at sunset over there when I'm at the gym, and I though I really needed to film them.



I actually wanted to film from the roof of the Leisure center, but as you can imagine the very thought of doing something which went against "health and safety" was a completely foreign concept to them. I also asked at the Holiday Inn, and the story was identical there, apart from the young lad at reception who went and asked for me, the look on his face told me that he didn't agree with the decision.

Finally I went to the building in between the two. Initially I went into one entrance, I can't remember the name of the company (not Knight Frank, it was on the other side of the buliding), I can't remember the name of the company, but the people in there were delightful and really enthusiastic that I wanted to film the Starlings, but unfortunately they didn't have access to the balconies, I need to ask Needham and James. So that's what I did, and ended speaking to a very patronising Scottish lady, who couldn't see what was in it for Needham and James. She said if I'd been with the Stratford Hearald they might have considered it, but because I was just doing this for myself they couldn't see what was in it for them. Clearly the idea of letting someone do something for free is lost on these people.

Anyway, I had to get that off my chest. It makes me sad to think that this is the kind of country we now live in.

Hope you enjoyed the video.

[cathidaw]

Thanks Will
I loved that film.and was almost hypnotised watching it. I have often thought that the birds themselves get into a hypnotic state at they swoop and curl.How otherwise could they be so graceful when there are so many together.
We don't see many starlings in the gardens now.People dont like them as they are so messy but I love to see them, pushing and crowding themselves out on my bird table (they love spaghetti by the way, and takeaways and chocolate buttons.)
I have some pigeons too which fledged from my trees last summer. Again they are not popular birds, but I have made a low ,wide table for them.They slide and fall off thetaller birdtable as they are so fat and heavy, whichis good as it leaves food for the smaller birds.

[cathidaw]

Talking of birds---------
I have a cat aged 8 but she was a runt and is only the size of a large kitten. One day out of the corner of my eye I saw something big pass my window. Looking out- My cat was running around the garden and had a pigeon by its leg.
I quickly threw a cushion at it and the pigeon flew int the tree, ruffled but unharmed.
I dont know what the cat thought she was going to do with the bird-It was nearly twice the size of her.

[Josie]

Firstly Will that video was great and I honestly cannot believe the people behaved like that about it! it just shows what people are like doesn't it really?

It is amazing how they manage to synchronize and look so well practised indeed - always amazes me no end!

As for the cat story - hehe I wonder what she thought she was going to do with it? Bet she felt really proud catching something so big though! Mine are always bringing in mice (eeeeeeeeeek) hate them! I have told them off several times and think it may have come to an end now! Or at least i hope so!

[Will]

Thank you everyone for your kind critiques. It was really a pleasure to film them. If I ever get my hands on a HD camera and decent tripod, I'll go back and film them again.

I'm glad people find it relaxing to watch, as that was exactly the intention behind it. I'm a big fan of ambient music, and I have tons of CD and downloads. This particular track comes from http://www.sphericlounge.de which are a group of German artists who create hundreds of great pieces of music like the one in the video. I'm always keen to share this music with people.

[Mellijelli]

Hi Will

So sorry to here that people are so unaccommodating to you especially when you want to do something like this, why would everything have to revolve around "wots in it for me" takes nothing to do a good deed for someone, especially something so innocent as filming starlings, oh well its a great vid, maybe you should submit it to one of the wild life tv shows or something

[Will]

Hi Will

So sorry to here that people are so unaccommodating to you especially when you want to do something like this, why would everything have to revolve around "wots in it for me" takes nothing to do a good deed for someone, especially something so innocent as filming starlings, oh well its a great vid, maybe you should submit it to one of the wild life tv shows or something

I'd like to do that actually, do you know of any programs that accept amateur footage? Although I am a professional cameraman, the equipment I used was most definitely amateur.

The worst part about Needham and James is there was plenty in it for them. It would have made more people aware of their company, and also shown that they are a genuinely nice and helpful company, and it would have been a bit of free publicity for them, no mattter how small. However, instead they've come across as a short-sighted and selfish company.