Neil Bland spotted this hedgehog-like murmuration of starlings when visiting RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve in Silverdale.
During winter, around a hundred thousand starlings come in to roost overnight in the reeds, and visitors to this popular nature reserve have been treated to some jaw-dropping aerial displays as the birds fly around like shoals of fish, creating all sorts of different shapes. As we move into spring, starling flocks break up as the birds head to places where they can nest. Many of them will also return to Europe after visiting for the winter so this special display could be one of the last murmurations to be seen in the UK until the birds regroup in September.
According to the RSPB, the starling is of great conservation concern. In recent years, the population has crashed by over 70%, meaning the birds are now on the critical list of UK birds most at risk. The RSPB is working with farmers and land owners to encourage land management that benefits starlings and other wildlife.
Jen Walker, visitor officer at the reserve said: "It was great to have these huge flocks of starlings here all winter again and I particularly love this amazing photo. I would urge everyone to look after starlings in their gardens during the summer as well as trying to witness this amazing natural spectacle during the winter."
Although the starling spectacle at Leighton Moss is coming to an end for another year, the spring brings lots of new wildlife moments, from sky dancing marsh harriers to the atmospheric sound of the booming bittern. The reserve is the largest reedbed in north-west England and is a very special place for nature.
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