WELSH DEAD STARLINGS MYSTERY: WERE THEY FLEEING A BIRD OF PREY?

LATEST theory on the 200 starlings mysteriously found dead on a road in Anglesey last month is that they may have been fleeing a raptor - possibly a sparrowhawk or a peregrine.

In taking avoiding action, they may have crashed into the road.

Birds examined by the Government's Animal and Plant Health Agency revealed severe internal trauma from impact.

The incident occurred on a 100-metre stretch of country lane near Llyn Llywenan in Bodedern on December 10.

However, not all the birds were on the road. Some were on a hedgerow.

Rob Taylor, team manager at North West Police's  rural crime team said via Twitter: "It's likely the murmuration took avoiding action, possibly from a bird of prey, with the rear of the group not pulling up in time and striking the ground.

"From speaking to many people, looking at the injuries and previous worldwide cases, it appears by taking avoiding flight action the murmuration has flown towards the ground and pulled up, but some have not made it."

However, not all birders are convinced by this theory and are reserving assessment until toxicology tests have been completed.