In the depths of winter, you could be forgiven for staying in, tucked up warm at home, but now is actually the best time to see one of nature’s greatest shows, starling murmurations. From the end of summer large numbers of starlings visit Britain from the continent to join our native populations in their warmer climate. Whilst starlings can be seen year-round, their numbers swell during winter and together they fill the sky in a dazzling display creating their renowned murmurations. 

As the evening draws in, feeding flocks gather together and then set off for their communal roosts. These roost sites can be the overnight refuge for tens, even hundreds of thousands of birds, and their arrival at the roost is one of the most staggering sights you’ll see all year.

Flock after flock of starlings arrive, coming in from all directions to gather in the skies above their roost site. As the numbers build, with some ‘murmurations’ reaching into the tens and hundreds of thousands of individuals, the flocks take on a life of their own, swirling back and forth overhead.

With predators lurking no bird wants to be the first to land. These large flocks attract hunting sparrowhawks and peregrine falcons, eager to pick a meal. The ever-growing numbers, together with hunting raptors, lead the flock to make amazing, ever changing shapes in the sky, packing close together and then expanding out, one flock merges into another, zooming back and forth in patterns each more complex and beautiful than the last. 

And then, just as the numbers reach their peak and as the last light fades, the birds decide the time is right and funnel down to roost. 

To catch this incredible show, wrap up warm and aim to arrive at a known starling roost at least half an hour before the sun goes down. Find a good vantage point from which you can both see the roost site and the sky above: that’s where the action will take place. Blashford Lakes nature reserve is a great spot to see this beautiful display.

And then, after you’ve had your fill of oohs and aahs and the last bird has dropped in to go to sleep, you can go back to your cosy home. You may feel the cold, but we challenge you not to feel warm inside after a wondrous murmuration.