Tree decorations

The Old Ash Tree

is, of course, the last to come into leaf. It sighs reluctantly and manages to unfurl some leaf buds when all other trees are weeks into leaf.

So these are not leaves decorating its branches

filling every twig

but swarms of starlings

waiting for bedtime.

Then they are off

Maybe to here

A starling roost at Dolydd Hafren filmed by Edd Cottell and posted on Montgomeryshire Birds where he says:

“Here is a short video of the Starlings descending onto the reed bed in front of the first hide. Just watch how far the reeds get pushed down under the weight of all the birds. I counted 4 different Sparrowhawks constantly hunting the Starlings as they filter into the reed. Also seen were 2 Little Egret and 20 Curlew.”