Starlings are well known to put on an amazing show. Their evening displays called murmurations always attract a crowd and often it’s not just people. Lodmoor currently has a very spectacular nightly show and last night it really was something special! The reason they swirl around before dusk is down to two reasons. Firstly it’s a way of gathering a crowd before going down into the reeds all together to settle for the night. They roost very close to each other to keep warm. Also by staying together as one flock the old safety in numbers principle comes into play. I said earlier that they often attract a different crowd. This would be birds of prey. Last night a Sparrowhawk made an impressive attempt to catch itself some supper but despite their being 15,000+ starlings it failed! Likewise, Marsh Harriers have been having a go most evenings and I’m yet to see one actually catch as starling! Safety in numbers!!!
If you have a spare evening in the next week or so, we’d highly recommend heading over to Lodmoor to check out this natural spectacular! Head to the top end of the reserve looking up the Lorton valley and aim to be there from about 3:30. Enjoy!!