Locations Removed From Map
To make the map look less busy and to not give people false hope we are starting to remove locations that have not been reported to us for the last two seasons. If these locations come up again then we will add them back with the previous information given to us before removal.
BEDFORDSHIRE
NEW 5th Jan 2020. LU7 3XQ Carina Drive, onto Clipstone Brook. Approx 150-200 birds roost in trees and on roofs of houses. Roost reported 19/20
Berwickshire, Houndwood
NEW for 28th NOVEMBER 2019....... Hamlet of Houndwood situated in the Scottish Borders, approximately 12 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed, on the A1 between the villages of Reston and Grantshouse. Can be seen from both sides of the A1, opposite Houndwood and in Houndwood, where the Starlings appear to be roosting in individual hedges and trees. Approximate numbers 500 plus. (Roost reported 2019)
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Barking, Jenkins Recycling Centre.
NEW LOCATION, a SMALL Roost seen above Jenkins Lane Recyling Centre. Seen from CS2 cycle path. (Roost Reported 2019)
Buckinghamshire, Calvert Lake.
UPDATE 4th NOV 2019, no birds to be seen, moved elsewhere Reported to us on 24th October 2019. Viewed from hide 1, the nearest to the car park, estimated at 3500 but numbers rising, go to roost in reeds in front of hide (Roost reported 2019)
Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon
New Report Jan 2021. There are over 400 birds giving a wonderful display mornings an evening its marvelous to see them dive into the hedge
Cheshire, Brereton Heath, Congleton
what3words ///Ramps.purist.reveal or ///spotted.wider.fallback UPDATED, 27th JAN 2020, South corner of Brereton Heath Country Park at the Western end of Brereton Heath Lane. REACTIVATED, 2nd JAN 2020. Starlings gather in the surrounding fields. We arrived on Brereton Heath Lane at the junction with Bagmere Lane at 15:45 on 31/12/19. Nothing to be seen but on driving along lane we saw them gathering in nearby fields before moving to murmurate over Bagmere reserve at around 16:00. Best place to park to view is along Brereton Heath Lane, off road parking space at the edge of Brereton Heath country park ADDED FEB 2019. Bagmere Lane, heading towards Brereton Heath Nature Reserve from South. If you are at the corner of Bagmere Lane and Brereton Heath Lane you will see it. Word has got out, there are people waiting to see them (18,19)
Cheshire, Rostherne Mere
REACTIVATED, 2nd NOV 2019. Park near Rostherne Church and make way to somewhere with a view of the mere. Approx 5000 birds on 1st Nov 2019
Cheshire, Rudheath.
NEW LOCATION, 12th Jan 2020.Started at about only 20 birds, rising to between 200 and 300 at most.
Danced for ages before roosting in a conifer tree in some lucky person's garden!
I saw from my daughter's garden but murmuration would have been easy to watch and enjoy from Middlewich Road/Farm Road, Northwich
County Durham, Daddry Shield.
A New location for the map, reported to us October 20th 2019. Described as a Medium roost. 'It starts over St John's Chapel in Weardale and heads down the Dale a mile or so to Daddry Shield. The birds all landed in a small woodland approx half a mile to the east.Great to see here. I've not known as many numbers about for a long time.'
Cumbria, Askam-in-furness
NEW FEB 2020. Approx 8000 birds. Occurs over a wide area between North Walney and Sandscale Haws NNR but roost is in trees and/or reeds on Sandscale Haws map ref SD200756. Access is via the Roan Head carpark (charges apply). There is a path that runs past the rust-red National Trust hut on the land ward side of the dune system ie dont go to the beach. Cross the style into the field and walk until you can see across the wetland to Walney Channel. This only takes 5-10 minutes. Sit down low (rather than up on the dunes) to have the flock against the sky. Dress warm and take rain gear. Hunting sparrowhawk often seen and murmuration reaction is evident. Event only lasts about 20-30 mins prior to dusk and varies in intensity depending on raptor presence
Cumbria. Jubilee Bridge
REACTIVATED 26th Oct 2019. about 100 birds currently roosting under the bridge. January 2019. Approx 2-300 birds over Walney Channel, roosting under Jubilee Bridge. Can be watched from either the Walney side (Promenade) or there is a small carpark on the Barrow side, just on the right as you come on to the bridge.
(17,19))
Cumbria, Longtown
Update on Longtown. 02/02/2020 Masses (Tens of thousands) of starling still about. All over the sky again. This lot seem to prefer lots of murmurations rather than one big one. It was amazing. They were flying everywhere while others were perched thickly on the plyons and also the wires. Just before roost there was torrential rain and even that didn't stop them. We watched them from Arthuret Road looking to town. They seem to be roosting in the centre of town (as they did on Thursday night.) 55.008080, -2.969973. There are a good few trees/shrubs surrounded on all sides by houses, hotels etc. So probably quite safe for them. We think some of them went down next to Esk Street too.NEW LOCATION, 24th Jan, 2020. LARGE Roost. Starlings can be seen at dusk from various locations near here.
Cumbria, North Walney
UPDATE, 4th NOV 2019, Approx 1,000 birds. Short murmuration before descending into reeds at North Walney Nature Reserve, near airfield. Car park at the end of West Shore Rd, near caravan site. A new location to the North East of the Island. Exact location not known as yet. Reported to us 16th October 2019. 'Estimate 300 starlings. Flew over and around north walney and also Sandscale Haws reserve. Roosted out of sight but assume in coppice near water's edge at North walney, on north east side of the island.' (19)
Cumbria, Silloth Airfield
UPDATE 10th NOVEMBER 2019, Numbers have grown well over the last couple of days with Satrlings possibly coming from Gretna area. REACTIVATED 7th NOV 2019,There is a road alongside the marsh from Skinburness. You can see them from there very easily.
A new location for our map for the 2018/19 season. Posted to us on our Facebook group. 20th Oct 18 (18,19)
Derbyshire, Derwent St.
NEW, 15th JAN 2020. APPROXIMATE LOCATION only see the morning explosion (approx 7.45am) and it has been getting increasingly bigger, this morning (15.1.20) approx 500 starlings in number.
Not exactly sure where they are roosting but I park in pheonix street car park and have been seeing them for a couple of weeks and they seem to be taking off somewhere near the coordinates given.
Derbyshire, Ogston Reservoir
NEW LOCATION added 1st November 2019. A couple of hundred starlings only. Seen two nights running (30th and 31st Oct). On 30th they circled but dropped into the reed bed fast (along with a large number of pied wagtails) On that occasion a sparrow hawk was also in an out of the reeds. On 31st a couple of small groups joined together and circled for 20 mins or so, making a few shapes, before dropping into the reed bed. This is not a large reed bed. Best seen from the West Car park.
Devon, Burgh Island
NEW LOCATION 20th Jan 2020. Med/Large roost directly by the gates to the Burgh Hotel is a large area and they ended up roosting here. Was amazing
Devon, Heathfield Newton Abbot
UPDATE. The Starlings are still here, FEB 2020 but further in on the housing estate REACTIVATED DECEMBER 2019. Small numbers have returned here. JANUARY UPDATE. Numbers have grown again, not quite as large at last winter. Dec 18. Roost small but growing in numbers. These starlings are roosting behind Sparkworld in the conifer trees (17,18)
Devon, Okehampton Camp
REACTIVATED, 2nd JAN 2020. A couple of thousand at the moment, but in the past has got bigger after Xmas. Lots of spots overlooking the camp to watch from, but it's Dartmoor so weather can be bleak and limited parking, so you might have to walk up to a mile.
EXCELLENT NEWS, Starlings have returned here beginning Jan 2019
Devon, Sharpham
Reports of a new site for the Map. Reed beds near Shaprham House, Nov 17. More info when we get it. (looking forward to this as there has been a few sightings along the river over the last few years, but people assumed they were heading to Slapton Ley. (17)
Devon, Southerton, Newton Poppleford
UPDATE 31st Jan 2020. There are approx 2-3000 Starlings here now. UPDATE 10th DECEMBER 2019. Roost still active.NEW LOCATION, Small Roost 15th November 2019.Over the small hamlet of Southerton. I viewed them from outside Hoppins farm in the lane, looking southwards.
I would estimate around 1000
Parking outside Hoppins farm where the road is widest.
Dorset, Abbotsbury Swannery
UPDATE FEB 2019, DEACTIVATED. NEW, JANUARY 2019. 20,000 approx. Seen yesterday and tonight... Been about recently for first time in a couple years according to my dad who lives local... Roasted in reeds near Abbotsbury swannery next to Chesil Bank, murmuration visible from St Catherine's Chapel.. Best view point from above or on coastal path below.. (18)
Dorset, nr Wareham
what3words ///astounded.animates.swells
NEW LOCATION added 17th December 2019. Swineham point on the public footpath from Wareham. Small roost, about 600.
Dorset, St Cecilias Bridport
Large clumps of very well established bamboo on river bank of the Brit at end of gardens to 2 & 3 St. Cecilia's Gardens, Bridport. They have been seen occasionally at this time of year before. Murmuration can be seen from entrance to St. Cecilia's Gardens, south end and from high path on road to Pymore or Coneygar Road. (18)
Dorset, St Marys Church Weymouth
Weymouth harbour by Town Bridge. Park in car park next to and old council offices. Roost in tree in StMarys churchyard opposite 'Fish n Fritz' (Dec17)4
Dorset Tesco Dorchester
Feb18, reports that numbers are dropping now. Quite a few posts regarding the large roost here. They roost in the trees by the railway line. Easily watchable from the Tesco Car Park (17)
Dumfries & Galloway, RSPB Mersehead
REACTIVATED DEC 1st 2019. Spoke to ranger on site this morning (29/11/19)
Approx 5000-10000 birds putting on a good show.
Reactivated after seeing photos/reports on twitter. November 2018 (16/17)
Durham, Stockton on Tees. Port Clarence
NEW LOCATION, 24th Jan 2020.No idea the size of the roost as this is the first I have ever seen but I do have a video although I cant submit it on this form. I have requested to join your FB page to share the video. The video was shot on the coast road (Tees Road) near RSPB Saltholm
East Yorkshire, Front Street
NEW 5th FEB 2020, approx 2000 Starlings roost here.
Essex, West Mersea
NEW LOCATION 17th DEC 2019. Medium/Large roost... Windsor Road, above the flats u can see them well from any distance from there
Essex Wildlife Trust Gunners Park and Shoebury Ranges Nature Reserve
what3words ///eggshell.fashion.phantom Two flocks of starlings seen nearby from Rampart Street flying over the sea. Possibly roosting here again, or close by. REACTIVATED 17th December 2019. (17)
Greater London, Vauxhall Bridge
A small roost site reported here (17)
Hampshire, Market Street, Eastleigh
NEW ROOST STE 20th OCT 2019. This murmuration is roosting in 5 trees on Market street. There are 4 trees close together and 1 tree further up. This is a shopping street in a small town so there is plenty of parking and is easy to view them roosting. I have not seen them fly a lot so I would estimate there are a few hundred birds, but could be wrong on that!
Hampshire, Freegrounds Road area
NEW LOCATION FOR 2019, Reported to us on 20th October 2019Can be seen from Hedge end police station car park looking over roof tops towards general direction of Free grounds road 1600 onwards. Numbers building daily.
Hampshire, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
REACTIVATED 6th NOV 2019,Best viewed from small pier by Portsmouth Harbour train station. Birds congregate on rigging of HMS Warrior before murmurating and roosting under pier. A small murmuration seen from here and reported to us on 19th Oct, 2018. Unsure of the exact roost location as yet. **EDIT Portsmouth Harbour Station is the actual roost site but the starlings fly in small groups around Gunwharf, the Spinnaker Tower, the Gosport Ferry terminal, the Hard interchange & HMS Warrior (they gather on the masts). So this smallish group could be listed as any of these locations. (18)
Hampshire, Reed Beds, Lymington
Dec17, Starlings a good size murmuration at 4pm over the marshes behind Lymington hospital in Hampshire - roost is in the reed bed by the river. (17)
Hampshire, Sarum Road, Winchester
info sent to us 18th August 2018.Sarum Road Winchester near junction with Woodhams Lane. Approx 100-150 Starlings. Unable to find the exact location. Hopefully this will become clearer soon. (18)
Hampshire, Wynton Way
NEW, End of January, 2019Location is in a built up area but there are still a reasonably large number of trees in the vicinity which I believe made up Fareham Park. The murmuration can be seen at the end of Wynton Way (opposite Henry Cort Drive where parking is available outside of school hours). The murmuration is a few hundred in size. The starlings roost in the oak trees on either side of Wynton Way. (18)
Ireland, County Kerry, Nine Daughters Hole, Nuns Beach
NEW LOCATION 2019........ The starlings gather on the rooftops on Doon Rd before starting their murmuration over the Nine Daughters hole (blowhole in the cliff) and Nuns Beach, Ballybunion
There can be small groups of 50 or up to 500 or so.
It can be watched from the cliff walk, which has parking
Ireland, Co. Tipperary, Ballynonty
NEW and REPORTED TO US 8th OCT 2019.. Between Ballynonty and Drangan, Co. Tipperary. Huge murmurations last year. Medium sized so far this year.
Ireland, Lake Shore Drive
NEW LOCATION, end of DEC 2019. Roosting in the trees at the end of the Lake.
Isle Of Wight, Brading Marshes
DEACTIVATED DEC 2019 We went to observe the starlings the afternoon of 23/12 on Brading Marsh, after seeing the location noted on the map, arriving at around 3:45pm. We didn’t see any starlings at all. Asked a local dog walker, who was unaware of starling activity. Nobody else was there. Suggests perhaps starlings have moved on from reported sighting on 19/11
NEW 19th NOV 2019, Brading Marshes, Isle of Wight.
Best viewpoint is to take the Bembridge Footpath that carries straight on at the end of Quay Lane, Brading. Limited parking (2-3 cars at end of lane)... A few parking spaces outside bungalows along the lane, or large Car Park (paying) by the church at the top of the lane.
Isle Of White, St Lawrence
NEW LOCATION ADDED 4th NOV 2019 Large groups of starlings have gathered in and around St Lawrence on the Isle of Wight. 03/11/19. No car parks locally but people can easily spot them from the coastal footpaths. Sat watching them this morning at 0700 hrs in huge murmurations. Looks like they are competing in a round the Island race!
Kent, Newchurch
REACTIVATED, End of Dec 2019, Viewed from roadside. No obvious parking. Birds roosted in large area of blackthorn thicket. Approx 20,000 birds eventually roosting 1600 hours on 24th December 2019.
NEW JAN 2019. Off Newchurch Lane, between the Melon Lane and Frostland Lane junctions in Kent. Approximate postcode TN29 0DT. Easily viewed from several roadside locations.
Leicestershire, Rutland Water
DEACTIVATED 2nd DEC 2019. No Starlings present. REACTIVATED, 12th NOV 2019. Starts in lagoon 4 and they roost in the reed beds in lagoon 3 Reports that the reed beds in Lagoon3 are being used for approx 3000 starlings, Mid Nov 17. Added to our map as a previous roost site. yet to confirm if they are back this year. (17)
Lincolnshire, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
NEW LOCATION 30th Oct 2019. A medium sized roost site reported here. Contact Reserve for details. Murmuration seen early evening 29th Oct 2019
Northumberland, Lambley Mine Water Treatment Station Reedbeds
UPDATE 3rd DEC2019,No large murmuration big groups arriving from 15.15hrs and dropping directly into reedbed roost area. Numbers have grown to approx 6000 starlings. NEW, 15th NOVEMBER 2019. 3500-3700 birds roost is in reedbeds on East side very near the South Tyne. In past years this roost can approach 10-12000 birds before the Water authorities cut down the reeds so they do not choke the drainage channels late December early January. There is a small car parking area just inside the entrance to the station, park responsibly as there is a farmland access gate. Starling roost is very close to the road so murmuration easily observed at close range. Viewpoints are from the wooden gate at East end of car park signed No Entry or by walking 250 metres Eastwards down the minor road and standing on the grass verge. This road can get busy especially around school run times so care is needed and I would advise against parking on roadside verges are very soft.
GPS Co ordinates N55.9530, E3.67410 degrees.
Warwickshire, Brandon Marsh
UPDATE 24th Jan 24, 23/1/24 The birds using the back reed bed by the new viewing platform. If you are not a member you’ll need to arrive when the visitor centre is open.
UPDATE 7th Jan 24. At least 10k birds now using the front reed bed between the visitor centre and Brandon Lane
UPDATE 16th Dec 2023. Early December. Over the Alban's reed bed. Several groups of 100-300 flying separately and then dropping to roost in the reeds. Usually seen from the main path.
REACTIVATED 5th Nov 2023, w3w///neat.types.storms . I watched them for at least twenty minutes lastly on 2/11/23 Estimate 150 birds a week or so ago but now others joining. Getting bigger all the time.
DEACTIVATED 30th December 2022. The birds weren’t using this location on 30/12/22
UPDATE, 12th Dec 2022.Around 10k birds now using front reed bed, between the reserve car park and Brandon Lane.
UPDATE, 1st December 2022... The Starlings are still here in good numbers. Footage and photos seen on Twitter and our FB group.
NOV 18th 22, Brandon Marsh Notice - if you visit Brandon this weekend, the main path to the hides is flooded due to the recent rainfall. Steetley Hide and the Wright Hide are accessible. The Kingfisher and Woodpecker trails are also accessible but may be muddy in parts ☔🦆
REACTIVATED 11th November 2022. Good numbers seen on a Twitter video. Again, Carlton Hide was the view point.
UUPDATE 12th Feb 2022. 12th February. About 10k still displaying but they are splitting into different groups. Head for the Carlton Hide. Not the best views lots of trees obstruct but you are close and lots of sounds when they pass overhead
UPDATE, 8th February. 10-20 thousand Starlings now roosting here. For the best view of this spectacular murmuration, enter through the visitor centre and head down to Alban's reedbed viewpoint for the best sightings. The birds will actually flock around you as they land in the reeds and take off again. Usually 10,000 or more birds make up the murmuration and it's active most evenings.
UPDATE, End of January 2022. Visitor centre and driveway over the reed bed and trees at the far end
Parking at the visitor centre.
We saw them whilst standing at the visitor centre, facing the adjacent reed bed. Others were watching from further down the drive way.
The display was along the tree line surrounding the reed bed.
Starlings flew in from all directions.
Light aircraft flew into Baggington but didn't stop the display.
Massive, long display started approx 4.15 for 1/2 hour.
UPDATE 16th December 2021..... south of the reserve is the best place to watch, right by the Alban reed bed. The reserve map shows a viewing point, and that is the perfect place as they come in to roost right in front of you...and there's a bench where you can wait for them!
UPDATE, 13th November 2021 Park at the visitor centre and walk towards the South side of the reserve. Seen from the Woodpecker trail. Very dynamic short display at 4.10 on Saturday 13 November but apparently they're usually over by 4. Peregrine dived and forced them to drop. It settled in a nearby tree so they stayed down!
UPDATED Amazing display of several thousand Starlings this evening (28th October 2021) between 5 and 5.30m BST. Located in the "usual" place at the far (southern) end of the reserve. REACTIVATED after seeing a video on Twitter showing the Murmuration on 23rd October 2021. REACTIVATED 4th NOV 2019. A couple thousand Starlings reported roosting here. UPDATE JAN 17. A small amount of a few hundred but coming stright down in to the reeds. Another Youtube report of Starling roosts occurring here(17)
NEW 5th Jan 2020. LU7 3XQ Carina Drive, onto Clipstone Brook. Approx 150-200 birds roost in trees and on roofs of houses. Roost reported 19/20
Berwickshire, Houndwood
NEW for 28th NOVEMBER 2019....... Hamlet of Houndwood situated in the Scottish Borders, approximately 12 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed, on the A1 between the villages of Reston and Grantshouse. Can be seen from both sides of the A1, opposite Houndwood and in Houndwood, where the Starlings appear to be roosting in individual hedges and trees. Approximate numbers 500 plus. (Roost reported 2019)
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Barking, Jenkins Recycling Centre.
NEW LOCATION, a SMALL Roost seen above Jenkins Lane Recyling Centre. Seen from CS2 cycle path. (Roost Reported 2019)
Buckinghamshire, Calvert Lake.
UPDATE 4th NOV 2019, no birds to be seen, moved elsewhere Reported to us on 24th October 2019. Viewed from hide 1, the nearest to the car park, estimated at 3500 but numbers rising, go to roost in reeds in front of hide (Roost reported 2019)
Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon
New Report Jan 2021. There are over 400 birds giving a wonderful display mornings an evening its marvelous to see them dive into the hedge
Cheshire, Brereton Heath, Congleton
what3words ///Ramps.purist.reveal or ///spotted.wider.fallback UPDATED, 27th JAN 2020, South corner of Brereton Heath Country Park at the Western end of Brereton Heath Lane. REACTIVATED, 2nd JAN 2020. Starlings gather in the surrounding fields. We arrived on Brereton Heath Lane at the junction with Bagmere Lane at 15:45 on 31/12/19. Nothing to be seen but on driving along lane we saw them gathering in nearby fields before moving to murmurate over Bagmere reserve at around 16:00. Best place to park to view is along Brereton Heath Lane, off road parking space at the edge of Brereton Heath country park ADDED FEB 2019. Bagmere Lane, heading towards Brereton Heath Nature Reserve from South. If you are at the corner of Bagmere Lane and Brereton Heath Lane you will see it. Word has got out, there are people waiting to see them (18,19)
Cheshire, Rostherne Mere
REACTIVATED, 2nd NOV 2019. Park near Rostherne Church and make way to somewhere with a view of the mere. Approx 5000 birds on 1st Nov 2019
Cheshire, Rudheath.
NEW LOCATION, 12th Jan 2020.Started at about only 20 birds, rising to between 200 and 300 at most.
Danced for ages before roosting in a conifer tree in some lucky person's garden!
I saw from my daughter's garden but murmuration would have been easy to watch and enjoy from Middlewich Road/Farm Road, Northwich
County Durham, Daddry Shield.
A New location for the map, reported to us October 20th 2019. Described as a Medium roost. 'It starts over St John's Chapel in Weardale and heads down the Dale a mile or so to Daddry Shield. The birds all landed in a small woodland approx half a mile to the east.Great to see here. I've not known as many numbers about for a long time.'
Cumbria, Askam-in-furness
NEW FEB 2020. Approx 8000 birds. Occurs over a wide area between North Walney and Sandscale Haws NNR but roost is in trees and/or reeds on Sandscale Haws map ref SD200756. Access is via the Roan Head carpark (charges apply). There is a path that runs past the rust-red National Trust hut on the land ward side of the dune system ie dont go to the beach. Cross the style into the field and walk until you can see across the wetland to Walney Channel. This only takes 5-10 minutes. Sit down low (rather than up on the dunes) to have the flock against the sky. Dress warm and take rain gear. Hunting sparrowhawk often seen and murmuration reaction is evident. Event only lasts about 20-30 mins prior to dusk and varies in intensity depending on raptor presence
Cumbria. Jubilee Bridge
REACTIVATED 26th Oct 2019. about 100 birds currently roosting under the bridge. January 2019. Approx 2-300 birds over Walney Channel, roosting under Jubilee Bridge. Can be watched from either the Walney side (Promenade) or there is a small carpark on the Barrow side, just on the right as you come on to the bridge.
(17,19))
Cumbria, Longtown
Update on Longtown. 02/02/2020 Masses (Tens of thousands) of starling still about. All over the sky again. This lot seem to prefer lots of murmurations rather than one big one. It was amazing. They were flying everywhere while others were perched thickly on the plyons and also the wires. Just before roost there was torrential rain and even that didn't stop them. We watched them from Arthuret Road looking to town. They seem to be roosting in the centre of town (as they did on Thursday night.) 55.008080, -2.969973. There are a good few trees/shrubs surrounded on all sides by houses, hotels etc. So probably quite safe for them. We think some of them went down next to Esk Street too.NEW LOCATION, 24th Jan, 2020. LARGE Roost. Starlings can be seen at dusk from various locations near here.
Cumbria, North Walney
UPDATE, 4th NOV 2019, Approx 1,000 birds. Short murmuration before descending into reeds at North Walney Nature Reserve, near airfield. Car park at the end of West Shore Rd, near caravan site. A new location to the North East of the Island. Exact location not known as yet. Reported to us 16th October 2019. 'Estimate 300 starlings. Flew over and around north walney and also Sandscale Haws reserve. Roosted out of sight but assume in coppice near water's edge at North walney, on north east side of the island.' (19)
Cumbria, Silloth Airfield
UPDATE 10th NOVEMBER 2019, Numbers have grown well over the last couple of days with Satrlings possibly coming from Gretna area. REACTIVATED 7th NOV 2019,There is a road alongside the marsh from Skinburness. You can see them from there very easily.
A new location for our map for the 2018/19 season. Posted to us on our Facebook group. 20th Oct 18 (18,19)
Derbyshire, Derwent St.
NEW, 15th JAN 2020. APPROXIMATE LOCATION only see the morning explosion (approx 7.45am) and it has been getting increasingly bigger, this morning (15.1.20) approx 500 starlings in number.
Not exactly sure where they are roosting but I park in pheonix street car park and have been seeing them for a couple of weeks and they seem to be taking off somewhere near the coordinates given.
Derbyshire, Ogston Reservoir
NEW LOCATION added 1st November 2019. A couple of hundred starlings only. Seen two nights running (30th and 31st Oct). On 30th they circled but dropped into the reed bed fast (along with a large number of pied wagtails) On that occasion a sparrow hawk was also in an out of the reeds. On 31st a couple of small groups joined together and circled for 20 mins or so, making a few shapes, before dropping into the reed bed. This is not a large reed bed. Best seen from the West Car park.
Devon, Burgh Island
NEW LOCATION 20th Jan 2020. Med/Large roost directly by the gates to the Burgh Hotel is a large area and they ended up roosting here. Was amazing
Devon, Heathfield Newton Abbot
UPDATE. The Starlings are still here, FEB 2020 but further in on the housing estate REACTIVATED DECEMBER 2019. Small numbers have returned here. JANUARY UPDATE. Numbers have grown again, not quite as large at last winter. Dec 18. Roost small but growing in numbers. These starlings are roosting behind Sparkworld in the conifer trees (17,18)
Devon, Okehampton Camp
REACTIVATED, 2nd JAN 2020. A couple of thousand at the moment, but in the past has got bigger after Xmas. Lots of spots overlooking the camp to watch from, but it's Dartmoor so weather can be bleak and limited parking, so you might have to walk up to a mile.
EXCELLENT NEWS, Starlings have returned here beginning Jan 2019
Devon, Sharpham
Reports of a new site for the Map. Reed beds near Shaprham House, Nov 17. More info when we get it. (looking forward to this as there has been a few sightings along the river over the last few years, but people assumed they were heading to Slapton Ley. (17)
Devon, Southerton, Newton Poppleford
UPDATE 31st Jan 2020. There are approx 2-3000 Starlings here now. UPDATE 10th DECEMBER 2019. Roost still active.NEW LOCATION, Small Roost 15th November 2019.Over the small hamlet of Southerton. I viewed them from outside Hoppins farm in the lane, looking southwards.
I would estimate around 1000
Parking outside Hoppins farm where the road is widest.
Dorset, Abbotsbury Swannery
UPDATE FEB 2019, DEACTIVATED. NEW, JANUARY 2019. 20,000 approx. Seen yesterday and tonight... Been about recently for first time in a couple years according to my dad who lives local... Roasted in reeds near Abbotsbury swannery next to Chesil Bank, murmuration visible from St Catherine's Chapel.. Best view point from above or on coastal path below.. (18)
Dorset, nr Wareham
what3words ///astounded.animates.swells
NEW LOCATION added 17th December 2019. Swineham point on the public footpath from Wareham. Small roost, about 600.
Dorset, St Cecilias Bridport
Large clumps of very well established bamboo on river bank of the Brit at end of gardens to 2 & 3 St. Cecilia's Gardens, Bridport. They have been seen occasionally at this time of year before. Murmuration can be seen from entrance to St. Cecilia's Gardens, south end and from high path on road to Pymore or Coneygar Road. (18)
Dorset, St Marys Church Weymouth
Weymouth harbour by Town Bridge. Park in car park next to and old council offices. Roost in tree in StMarys churchyard opposite 'Fish n Fritz' (Dec17)4
Dorset Tesco Dorchester
Feb18, reports that numbers are dropping now. Quite a few posts regarding the large roost here. They roost in the trees by the railway line. Easily watchable from the Tesco Car Park (17)
Dumfries & Galloway, RSPB Mersehead
REACTIVATED DEC 1st 2019. Spoke to ranger on site this morning (29/11/19)
Approx 5000-10000 birds putting on a good show.
Reactivated after seeing photos/reports on twitter. November 2018 (16/17)
Durham, Stockton on Tees. Port Clarence
NEW LOCATION, 24th Jan 2020.No idea the size of the roost as this is the first I have ever seen but I do have a video although I cant submit it on this form. I have requested to join your FB page to share the video. The video was shot on the coast road (Tees Road) near RSPB Saltholm
East Yorkshire, Front Street
NEW 5th FEB 2020, approx 2000 Starlings roost here.
Essex, West Mersea
NEW LOCATION 17th DEC 2019. Medium/Large roost... Windsor Road, above the flats u can see them well from any distance from there
Essex Wildlife Trust Gunners Park and Shoebury Ranges Nature Reserve
what3words ///eggshell.fashion.phantom Two flocks of starlings seen nearby from Rampart Street flying over the sea. Possibly roosting here again, or close by. REACTIVATED 17th December 2019. (17)
Greater London, Vauxhall Bridge
A small roost site reported here (17)
Hampshire, Market Street, Eastleigh
NEW ROOST STE 20th OCT 2019. This murmuration is roosting in 5 trees on Market street. There are 4 trees close together and 1 tree further up. This is a shopping street in a small town so there is plenty of parking and is easy to view them roosting. I have not seen them fly a lot so I would estimate there are a few hundred birds, but could be wrong on that!
Hampshire, Freegrounds Road area
NEW LOCATION FOR 2019, Reported to us on 20th October 2019Can be seen from Hedge end police station car park looking over roof tops towards general direction of Free grounds road 1600 onwards. Numbers building daily.
Hampshire, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
REACTIVATED 6th NOV 2019,Best viewed from small pier by Portsmouth Harbour train station. Birds congregate on rigging of HMS Warrior before murmurating and roosting under pier. A small murmuration seen from here and reported to us on 19th Oct, 2018. Unsure of the exact roost location as yet. **EDIT Portsmouth Harbour Station is the actual roost site but the starlings fly in small groups around Gunwharf, the Spinnaker Tower, the Gosport Ferry terminal, the Hard interchange & HMS Warrior (they gather on the masts). So this smallish group could be listed as any of these locations. (18)
Hampshire, Reed Beds, Lymington
Dec17, Starlings a good size murmuration at 4pm over the marshes behind Lymington hospital in Hampshire - roost is in the reed bed by the river. (17)
Hampshire, Sarum Road, Winchester
info sent to us 18th August 2018.Sarum Road Winchester near junction with Woodhams Lane. Approx 100-150 Starlings. Unable to find the exact location. Hopefully this will become clearer soon. (18)
Hampshire, Wynton Way
NEW, End of January, 2019Location is in a built up area but there are still a reasonably large number of trees in the vicinity which I believe made up Fareham Park. The murmuration can be seen at the end of Wynton Way (opposite Henry Cort Drive where parking is available outside of school hours). The murmuration is a few hundred in size. The starlings roost in the oak trees on either side of Wynton Way. (18)
Ireland, County Kerry, Nine Daughters Hole, Nuns Beach
NEW LOCATION 2019........ The starlings gather on the rooftops on Doon Rd before starting their murmuration over the Nine Daughters hole (blowhole in the cliff) and Nuns Beach, Ballybunion
There can be small groups of 50 or up to 500 or so.
It can be watched from the cliff walk, which has parking
Ireland, Co. Tipperary, Ballynonty
NEW and REPORTED TO US 8th OCT 2019.. Between Ballynonty and Drangan, Co. Tipperary. Huge murmurations last year. Medium sized so far this year.
Ireland, Lake Shore Drive
NEW LOCATION, end of DEC 2019. Roosting in the trees at the end of the Lake.
Isle Of Wight, Brading Marshes
DEACTIVATED DEC 2019 We went to observe the starlings the afternoon of 23/12 on Brading Marsh, after seeing the location noted on the map, arriving at around 3:45pm. We didn’t see any starlings at all. Asked a local dog walker, who was unaware of starling activity. Nobody else was there. Suggests perhaps starlings have moved on from reported sighting on 19/11
NEW 19th NOV 2019, Brading Marshes, Isle of Wight.
Best viewpoint is to take the Bembridge Footpath that carries straight on at the end of Quay Lane, Brading. Limited parking (2-3 cars at end of lane)... A few parking spaces outside bungalows along the lane, or large Car Park (paying) by the church at the top of the lane.
Isle Of White, St Lawrence
NEW LOCATION ADDED 4th NOV 2019 Large groups of starlings have gathered in and around St Lawrence on the Isle of Wight. 03/11/19. No car parks locally but people can easily spot them from the coastal footpaths. Sat watching them this morning at 0700 hrs in huge murmurations. Looks like they are competing in a round the Island race!
Kent, Newchurch
REACTIVATED, End of Dec 2019, Viewed from roadside. No obvious parking. Birds roosted in large area of blackthorn thicket. Approx 20,000 birds eventually roosting 1600 hours on 24th December 2019.
NEW JAN 2019. Off Newchurch Lane, between the Melon Lane and Frostland Lane junctions in Kent. Approximate postcode TN29 0DT. Easily viewed from several roadside locations.
Leicestershire, Rutland Water
DEACTIVATED 2nd DEC 2019. No Starlings present. REACTIVATED, 12th NOV 2019. Starts in lagoon 4 and they roost in the reed beds in lagoon 3 Reports that the reed beds in Lagoon3 are being used for approx 3000 starlings, Mid Nov 17. Added to our map as a previous roost site. yet to confirm if they are back this year. (17)
Lincolnshire, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
NEW LOCATION 30th Oct 2019. A medium sized roost site reported here. Contact Reserve for details. Murmuration seen early evening 29th Oct 2019
Northumberland, Lambley Mine Water Treatment Station Reedbeds
UPDATE 3rd DEC2019,No large murmuration big groups arriving from 15.15hrs and dropping directly into reedbed roost area. Numbers have grown to approx 6000 starlings. NEW, 15th NOVEMBER 2019. 3500-3700 birds roost is in reedbeds on East side very near the South Tyne. In past years this roost can approach 10-12000 birds before the Water authorities cut down the reeds so they do not choke the drainage channels late December early January. There is a small car parking area just inside the entrance to the station, park responsibly as there is a farmland access gate. Starling roost is very close to the road so murmuration easily observed at close range. Viewpoints are from the wooden gate at East end of car park signed No Entry or by walking 250 metres Eastwards down the minor road and standing on the grass verge. This road can get busy especially around school run times so care is needed and I would advise against parking on roadside verges are very soft.
GPS Co ordinates N55.9530, E3.67410 degrees.
Warwickshire, Brandon Marsh
UPDATE 24th Jan 24, 23/1/24 The birds using the back reed bed by the new viewing platform. If you are not a member you’ll need to arrive when the visitor centre is open.
UPDATE 7th Jan 24. At least 10k birds now using the front reed bed between the visitor centre and Brandon Lane
UPDATE 16th Dec 2023. Early December. Over the Alban's reed bed. Several groups of 100-300 flying separately and then dropping to roost in the reeds. Usually seen from the main path.
REACTIVATED 5th Nov 2023, w3w///neat.types.storms . I watched them for at least twenty minutes lastly on 2/11/23 Estimate 150 birds a week or so ago but now others joining. Getting bigger all the time.
DEACTIVATED 30th December 2022. The birds weren’t using this location on 30/12/22
UPDATE, 12th Dec 2022.Around 10k birds now using front reed bed, between the reserve car park and Brandon Lane.
UPDATE, 1st December 2022... The Starlings are still here in good numbers. Footage and photos seen on Twitter and our FB group.
NOV 18th 22, Brandon Marsh Notice - if you visit Brandon this weekend, the main path to the hides is flooded due to the recent rainfall. Steetley Hide and the Wright Hide are accessible. The Kingfisher and Woodpecker trails are also accessible but may be muddy in parts ☔🦆
REACTIVATED 11th November 2022. Good numbers seen on a Twitter video. Again, Carlton Hide was the view point.
UUPDATE 12th Feb 2022. 12th February. About 10k still displaying but they are splitting into different groups. Head for the Carlton Hide. Not the best views lots of trees obstruct but you are close and lots of sounds when they pass overhead
UPDATE, 8th February. 10-20 thousand Starlings now roosting here. For the best view of this spectacular murmuration, enter through the visitor centre and head down to Alban's reedbed viewpoint for the best sightings. The birds will actually flock around you as they land in the reeds and take off again. Usually 10,000 or more birds make up the murmuration and it's active most evenings.
UPDATE, End of January 2022. Visitor centre and driveway over the reed bed and trees at the far end
Parking at the visitor centre.
We saw them whilst standing at the visitor centre, facing the adjacent reed bed. Others were watching from further down the drive way.
The display was along the tree line surrounding the reed bed.
Starlings flew in from all directions.
Light aircraft flew into Baggington but didn't stop the display.
Massive, long display started approx 4.15 for 1/2 hour.
UPDATE 16th December 2021..... south of the reserve is the best place to watch, right by the Alban reed bed. The reserve map shows a viewing point, and that is the perfect place as they come in to roost right in front of you...and there's a bench where you can wait for them!
UPDATE, 13th November 2021 Park at the visitor centre and walk towards the South side of the reserve. Seen from the Woodpecker trail. Very dynamic short display at 4.10 on Saturday 13 November but apparently they're usually over by 4. Peregrine dived and forced them to drop. It settled in a nearby tree so they stayed down!
UPDATED Amazing display of several thousand Starlings this evening (28th October 2021) between 5 and 5.30m BST. Located in the "usual" place at the far (southern) end of the reserve. REACTIVATED after seeing a video on Twitter showing the Murmuration on 23rd October 2021. REACTIVATED 4th NOV 2019. A couple thousand Starlings reported roosting here. UPDATE JAN 17. A small amount of a few hundred but coming stright down in to the reeds. Another Youtube report of Starling roosts occurring here(17)