Surely a sign of the changing of the seasons is the steady build up of starling numbers which communally roost in the reedbeds on both reserves. Although only a few hundred strong at present their numbers will begin to gradually increase into four figures as more birds arrive from the continent. The swirling, shoal-like movements of these 'murmurations' is always a spectacle at dusk and often attracts sparrowhawks and peregrines keen to snatch a straggler to see them through the night. Thanks again to Allan for the photograph.