One of the most spectacular scenes during the cold, often dull, winter months is a starling murmuration.
Thousands upon thousands of starlings gather, after coming in from miles around. They create amazing patterns in the sky for about half an hour before coming down to roost.
These photos and clips were taken at RSPB Otmoor near Oxfordshire, but there are many other sites around the country.
If you are visiting Otmoor, please lift share or go on a mid week afternoon as the car park is limited and reached by a single track lane which can become blocked on a busy weekend.
As well as the starlings, there’s plenty to see at Otmoor including thousands of Lapwings and Golden Plovers.
Appleton Wildlife Diary by Alex White 
Agree that RSPB Ham Wall is a great place for the starlings at this time of year. If you go, arrive at least 2 hours before sunset partly to allow parking, but more importantly to have a chance to walk the (mainly wheelchair accessible) paths. The helpful RSPB staff will always point out good places to see the wide variety of birds you can see on the reserve, in addition to the best places to view the murmurations.
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Thanks for the tips, it’s been a few years since I’ve been to Ham Wall.
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One of nature’s most amazing and thrilling sights!
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One of the best
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I saw a starling murmuration for the first time on the Dorset coast this year. It was thrilling but, based on your photos, the Otmoor ones are more extensive.
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Ham wall in Somerset is also a really good one. I’ve never seen one on the coast, but we are visiting Brighton soon so hoping to have some time to see them there.
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