Starlings, Brighton

For years, I chased exotic wildlife abroad, oblivious to the spectacle in my home town. That changed the moment I began photographing Brighton’s starling murmurations. I quickly became obsessed; day after day, regardless of the weather, I’d wait on the pier as the birds gathered at dusk to perform their "sky-dance" before roosting in the ironwork beneath my feet. I even began to dream in their hypnotising patterns, waking in anticipation for the storms and light that made these shots possible.

Starlings after the storm. A small flock catching the last rays of the day as a winter storm clears overhead. Highly Commended in the British Wildlife Photography Awards.

A large murmuration over the derelict West Pier, looking towards Shoreham after sunset.

The starling's world.

Starlings exiting their roost under the Brighton Palace Pier at dawn.

Starlings entering their roost in the ironwork of the pier.

Murmuration in the Storm. Traces of starlings disappearing into the 80mph wind and huge waves, taken in the last light of the day. Commended in NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

A small flock of starlings battling against the wind, barely skimming above the water in the trough between two waves.

A flock of starlings performing a murmuration at sunset, with the Rampion wind farm in the distance.

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