Not a murmuration but a perturbation of swooping starlings

A vast flock of starlings provided a spectacular aerial display over the fields in the Walton Hole area of Cringles Lane on March 11th.

At times they tumbled in such packed profusion to almost resemble a swarm of giant bees. Just as suddenly they reassembled in a frame-filling airborne dash before swooping low left and then right, barely clearing the stone-wall tops.

Incredible aerial displays, called murmurations, at dusk are one of nature's highlights in the colder months but this flock was restlessly on the wing at midday, maybe a rehearsal or perhaps stirred by the prospect of soil invertebrates to feed on in nearby fields newly spread with farmyard manure.

Discovering Silsden: a new guide to walks with colourful connections that have helped shaped the town's storyDiscovering Silsden 2, a new book of walks, has gone on sale. Pictured above with a copy of the long-awaited publication, featuring 10 new heritage walks, is author Cathy Liddle. Each ramble tells a colourful but often forgotten tale of past times and characters. The guide showcases Silsden's splendours of moorland, wild flowers, hedgerows, trees, becks, bridges, farmhouses, industrial enterprises and ancient settlements. The book features photographs by John Liddle and rural drawings by Silsden artist Alastair Todd. Costing £8.50, the book is on sale at the Post Office newsagents and Kirkgate News. Cathy's first book of walks rapidly sold out after its publication 17 years ago.