Rose Coloured Starling in the Brecon Beacons.

This spring there is quite an influx of Rose Coloured Starlings in the UK. They appeared in France a few weeks ago and it was predicted, rightly so, that we would see some in this country. They have been seen in various counties in the UK and as far west as the Pembrokeshire islands. I always live in hope but I didn’t expect there to be any seen in the Brecon Beacons because there are not many rarities recorded here. However, on a local blog the day before yesterday there was a report of one a few miles from where I live so yesterday Susan and I went to try and find it but not before checking a few cherry trees where I know Common Starlings and Blackbirds eat this fruit. Sadly there were no birds around these fruit laden trees so we moved on to the reported location mentioned above. Unfortunately this location was right on the very busy A470 road with cars and lorries thundering past every few seconds throughout the time we spent there. The upside was the two people who reported the bird were very pleasant company and were keen and knowledgeable naturalists especially in the butterfly and moth field. We waited some time while only Common Starlings and Blackbirds flew around and the weather fluctuated between bright sunshine and grey cloud with light drizzle, but eventually the Rose Coloured Starling flew in. It landed in a hedge in the field behind the cherry trees that were on the roadside. After a dangerous crossing of the said road, (you really have to be careful there as many vehicles were travelling very quickly and if you tripped over while crossing that road you could be in serious trouble). Frustratingly the bird, as usual, was too distant for a decent shot, but still nevertheless, was a very nice bird to see. After about a minute it flew off again and didn’t return, so after another hour of thundering traffic we called it a day and headed for home and some peace and quiet – Phew!!





Adult male - pink wash and long glossy black crest - very nice bird!!