Starling spectacular over Slimbridge

See a spectacular flock of up to 40,000 starlings swooping over Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s evening skies this winter.

Dubbed one of nature’s greatest spectacles, it won’t just be birdwatchers who will find the flock of up to 40,000 starlings swooping through the skies a breathtaking sight – with visitors from across Gloucestershire and beyond heading to Slimbridge Wetland Centre to catch the aerial action every day, until the end of February.

The annual phenomenon, well-publicised in wildlife documentaries, is caused by the large amounts of resident and migrant bird forming large roosts at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, gathering in trees or reed beds during the winter.

As the day draws to a close, from around 4pm, the starlings form a large flock of around 40,000 birds which darkens the skies as it swirls around like a swarm of insects. The fantastic aerial manoeuvres visitors can see are used to confuse or avoid predators such as Peregrine Falcons and Sparrow Hawks.

WWT Slimbridge reserve manager Dave Paynter said: ‘It has been especially exciting watching the starlings being hunted by birds of prey, which is a regular sight.’

Those hoping to catch a sight of the starling swarms, which historically has reached up to a staggering 750,000 birds, have to be quick-smart, as the birds are only expected to stay in the Stroud area until the end of February, when they will migrate.