Tens of thousands of starlings perform aerial display at WWT
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 13:58 · Archive
Tens of thousands of starlings are creating a murmuration display at WWT Martin Mere in Cheshire.
Tens of thousands of starlings are performing a murmuration at WWT Martin Mere, a wetland centre in Cheshire. The centre describes the aerial display as an 'unmissable moment in nature'. To allow visitors to witness the spectacle, the Harrier Hide will remain open later than usual, though the rest of the reserve will close at the standard time of 4.30pm. Visitors should arrive by the usual last entry time of 3.30pm.
Starling murmurations are created when the birds gather in large numbers before dusk, forming ever-changing shapes and patterns in the sky. Scientists believe the behaviour offers each bird greater protection from predators, as an individual bird is harder to single out when surrounded by thousands of others. The flocking behaviour also makes it harder for predators to focus on catching a single bird.
Despite extensive study, scientists remain puzzled about how thousands of birds move together as one unit without colliding. Research has found that each bird's movement affects seven others around it, creating the appearance of a twisting, morphing cloud. Murmurations are generally larger in autumn and winter as British starlings are joined by birds migrating from colder European weather. However, starling numbers are in decline, and many current murmurations are not as large as those recorded ten or twenty years ago.
How it is being reported
- Thousands of starlings fill the sky in spectacular displayTENS of thousands of starlings can be seen dancing in the sky at WWT Martin Mere.Warrington Guardian · 30 Oct, 13:38
- Thousands of starlings fill the sky in spectacular displayTENS of thousands of starlings can be seen dancing in the sky at WWT Martin Mere.Northwich Guardian · 30 Oct, 13:38
In this story: WWT Martin Mere · Cheshire · Europe
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