As evening falls the rooks start to gather, small parties swooping in leisurely circles, collecting stragglers, before suddenly swirling and tumbling down into the tree tops, like water rushing down a plug hole. As the light fades new parties arrive, swirl and settle while groups of earlier arrivals lift into the air again.
These trees, part of an extensive rookery in the East Yorkshire village of Barmby Moor, are a roosting and nesting site for a sizeable community of rooks. They also seem to be a gathering place for rooks passing through, on their way to roost further along the beck. In the morning the passage is reversed as talkative parties drop in on their way to feed in surrounding fields, adding to the chatter and upheaval of the ‘resident’ birds preparing for the day ahead. News updates, plans for the day or the latest jokes? And on the edge of that noisy dance, are there quiet rooks just enjoying the view?
(Click on any photo to view the gallery)
Linked to the Weekly Photo Challenge Dance
March 18, 2016 at 11:17 pm
I just love the rooks. I was brought up on a farm in the Cotswolds and they used to nest in the woods around our house. Thank you for these simple but wonderful pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 19, 2016 at 12:27 am
A rookery is so much part of the character of a place. I’m glad the photos brought back good memories for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 19, 2016 at 4:16 am
Lovely lyrical descriptions and great photos Judith. I even like the sound of the words ‘rook’ and ‘rookery’.
LikeLiked by 1 person