Starling Spectacular

The huge flocks of starlings that gather over the Avalon Marshes in winter are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the UK. The birds use the reedbeds at our nature reserves as a safe and warm night-time roost. Most are escaping the cold winters of Eastern Europe, and it is important to remember that UK breeding starlings have declined by two thirds since the 1970s. They are now a ‘red listed’ species of high conservation concern.

Before settling in, starlings often gather in enormous clouds, wheeling, turning, and swooping in unison. This remarkable behaviour is called a murmuration. Birds of prey sometimes try to catch individual starlings, which can make the murmuration tighten and create some truly breathtaking shapes.

In recent years, the murmuration has become increasingly popular with visitors. At peak times – usually weekends and around Christmas and New Year – there can be up to a thousand people watching. We recommend visiting outside these periods if possible for a quieter experience.

Where to see them

The starlings usually roost on either Natural England’s Shapwick Heath reserve or RSPB’s Ham Wall reserve.

You can check where they roosted the night before by calling the Starling Hotline on 07866 554142 (1 November – 28 February). Please note, this is only where the starlings were the night before and may not guarantee sightings on the day you visit.

If you are travelling a long distance, we recommend checking for a closer site first. The Starlings in the UK website has a murmuration and roost map to help you find your nearest location.

Parking

The roads around the reserves are very narrow, so if our car parks are full, please come back on another day and be considerate to our neighbours by not parking on road verges or in gateways, queuing on the road, or restricting access for emergency vehicles. Thank you for your understanding.

There are two car parks at Ashcott Corner, between Ashcott and Meare, giving access to Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath (BA6 9SX). Parking charges and capacity limits apply:

• RSPB Ham Wall: Parking fees apply to non-RSPB members. Free for RSPB members and blue badge holders (display a valid card).
• Natural England’s Shapwick Heath: Parking by donation via RingGo machine/app.
• Avalon Marshes Centre (BA6 9TT): Parking by donation via RingGo or on-site donation boxes. This may be a considerable distance from the roost and spaces are limited.

We encourage car sharing wherever possible and active travel options such as cycling or walking to the site. The Avalon Marshes is served by several cycling trails, including the Bittern Trail which links the nature reserves to Glastonbury.

Best Time to Visit

Time of Year: Starlings start arriving in early November and usually stay until late February or early March.

Time of Day: The murmuration is best seen just before dusk. Arrive early to beat the crowds – ideally by 2pm to enjoy other wildlife before the starlings gather. Depending on where the birds are roosting, the walk from the car park may take up to 30 minutes.

The starlings’ dawn lift-off is equally spectacular, with tens of thousands erupting from the reeds at sunrise. This usually happens around half an hour before sunrise (around 7.30am in midwinter).

Check local dusk and dawn times before your visit.

Dogs

• Dogs are only allowed on leads along the main path from the Ham Wall car park and the public footpath on the opposite side of the waterway (the Ham Wall loop).
• Dogs are not permitted on the main area of Shapwick Heath.
• There are no dog waste or litter bins, so please take your waste home.
• Registered assistance dogs are allowed in all areas.

What to Bring

• Warm clothing, hat, and gloves – it can get very cold on the marshes as the sun sets.
• A torch to help you find your way back.
• Binoculars (optional but recommended).
• Come back in other seasons to explore the Avalon Marshes’ diverse wildlife.

Acknowledgments

A special thank you to Lynne Newton for use of the wonderful starling photographs.  Thanks also to Joy Russell who took the starling close up and has let us use many other photographs for this website.