murmuration
/məːməːˈreɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
- 1.a flock of starlings.
- 2.LITERARYthe action of murmuring.
"the murmuration of a flock of warblers"
About half an hour north of Oxford is a lovely nature preserve where, in the winter, over 50,000 starlings roost. It's a beautiful wetland that provides a home to thousands of waterfowl and a winter home to tens of thousands of starlings.
Each year during the winter months of November, December and January, just at dusk, thousands of starlings come home to roost in the tall reeds. If the conditions are right, they often spend a number of minutes before settling in the reeds murmuring, or flying in an incredibly beautiful synchronized way, over the wetland.
Last weekend we drove out to Otmoor with hopes to see this amazing phenomenon. We were advised to arrive at the small RSPB parking lot no later than 2:30pm so we could get a parking space, and indeed we claimed the last spot. We then walked about a mile down a lovely path along the marshes to a bird hide that looked out over the wetland. The path is well marked.
There are two hides, one about 5 minutes further long the trail than the first one. Both give an excellent vantage point. We then waited over an hour for the sun to set. It's never a guarantee that the starlings will fly in a murmuration, especially if it is raining or drizzly. But if the conditions are right and you are lucky, you will get to witness this amazing and massive areal stunt.
We were fortunate on both accounts. About ten minutes before the sun went down, small flocks of starlings began to appear from every direction. They soon joined up and formed a large murmuration that kept growing until there where tens of thousands of birds flying, swooping, and turning in unison. It is a sight to behold. It's completely magical.
I wish my iPhone video did the awesome sight justice but it doesn't. So, you'll just have to come to Otmoor or any other starling roosting spot and see it for yourself. I promise it will take your breath away.
