As we say goodbye to the long warm days of summer and the colour that autumn brings, it’s easy to feel a little down-trodden by the harsh lines and cold air of winter. You’d be forgiven for thinking it a dull season for wildlife, but to the avid eye, it is rich with delights that don’t grace our landscapes in warmer months.

We welcome migrant birds such as redwings and fieldfares to hedgerows; the occasional flock of spectacular waxwings to garden berry trees; beautiful ducks such as teal, shoveler, wigeon and pintail overwinter on wetland sites such as Coombe Hill. But perhaps the most spectacular of winter treats is the sight of a starling murmuration.

Flecks of iridescent green and purple

An unassuming black bird at first glance, up close the starling glistens with flecks of iridescent green and purple. They are year-round residents in the UK and by no means a rare sight in gardens and atop telegraph poles. But autumn sees large numbers arrive from mainland Europe, and they remain with us until spring.

From October onwards, lucky observers will see thousands of them form flocks and twist and turn through the sky in a murmuration. Mesmerising to watch, the birds gradually gather on the wing and swoop together in unison, creating incredible fluid shapes through the air. The freewheeling, pulsating curves produced by masses of these small birds are an annual highlight for many a wildlife-enthusiast.

It is thought that there are a number of reasons for these aerial displays. The most widely believed is that it is a survival tactic. Starlings roost in large numbers through the winter and so attract predators such as sparrowhawk and peregrine.

Murmurations could be a way of confusing predators – staying as close to the centre of the group as possible would mean less chance of being picked off, while the large group flying in unison may be too daunting for a bird of prey to consider approaching.

A sight to behold

Whatever the reason, murmurations are a sight to behold and I would urge you to seek one out at this time of year. The best time to catch a show is at dusk – a final hurrah before they settle down for the night. The location can be a little trickier. While they roost in a number of different habitats – from reed beds to city centres – like so many of nature’s wonders, you’re never guaranteed to see one, which is what makes them even more special.

Promising sightings throughout the county

In previous years, sightings have been reported in Gloucester city centre, with promising signs in Abbeymead appearing in October 2016. Countywide, the South Cerney area has proved reasonably reliable, with WWT Slimbridge regularly reporting shows too. If you’re keen to track down a display, visit starlingsintheuk.co.uk for details of the most recently recorded roost sites and murmurations. This should give a good indication of prominent viewing spots.