Spectacular starlings at Slimbridge

Starlings at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust's (WWT) Slimbridge Wetland Centre have been wowing the crowds this week with their fantastic aerial performances each day at dusk.

During the wintertime, both resident and migrant birds form large roosts at the wetland centre, gathering in trees or reed beds. As the day draws to a close the starlings form a large flock of approximately 5,000 birds which darkens the skies as it swirls around like a swarm of insects, making this one of nature's greatest spectacles.

WWT Reserve Manager, Dave Paynter, said: "We were a little disappointed earlier in the season because they didn't seem to be roosting here but we're so glad they're back. It's has been especially exciting watching them being hunted by birds of prey which is a regular sight. Only yesterday one of our staff watched as a Peregrine falcon swooped in and made an attack. We expect the starlings to stay until about the end of February so there is really only a limited period to see this spectacle before they migrate."

  • Share this article