Ilkley Baptist

The starlings were in evidence again today, flocks of them swirling, separating and reforming in the skies above the centre of town, then landing on chimney pots and arials to squeak and twitter. At this time of year their plumage is very bright, glossy brown rather than grey, and the little stars (that's where their name comes from) are strongly marked.

Yesterday I watched a pair of red kites flying over a field near the roundabout for Burley in Wharfedale. Majestic birds, but a bit confused looking, not sure where to go next, dithering, changing direction, coming low, climbing again. They look a bit brainless, to be honest. Lovely to see them around Ilkley, though.