How shape-shifting starlings flock together

[Still Waters]

It could be a scene from a science fiction film - a huge black cloud morphing from one guise to another in the sky over Gretna in Scotland.

The cloud is in fact a huge flock of starlings, returning to roost for winter to the town more famous for playing host to eloping couples.

The starlings, which fly en masse to deter predators, swoop and dive together creating incredible shapes against the early evening sky.

In one image they form the profile of a giant dog, while in another they resemble a whale.

And the noisy birds squawk furiously throughout as an added deterrant against predators, which can include sparrowhawks, buzzards and peregrines.

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