Starling Murmurations

Get ready to discover Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath, two famous nature reserves located in the beautiful Avalon Marshes in Somerset, England. They are known for their remarkable biodiversity but one of the highlights of visiting is watching the amazing gatherings of starlings that create stunning patterns in the sky each year known as murmurations. A mesmerizing aerial display,  swirling and swooping in complex, ever-changing patterns across the sky. The effect is almost hypnotic, as the dark mass of birds twists and turns, creating shapes that resemble everything from ribbons to swirling smoke.

Scientists believe that murmurations serve several purposes:
• Predator evasion: By forming a dense, constantly moving flock, starlings make it difficult for predators like birds of prey to single out an individual bird.
• Warmth: Huddling together in large numbers can help starlings stay warm on cold winter nights.
• Information exchange: Some scientists suggest that murmurations may also facilitate the exchange of information between birds, such as where to find the best roosting sites or food sources.

We are here to help you get the most out of your starling experience.

Ham Wall
Managed by the RSPB: This wetland reserve, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), is a haven for diverse wildlife.

• Hides and Trails: There are 2 hides, 2 viewing platforms, and 8 screens in total, open from dawn to dusk. Three viewing screens can be accessed via a 200 m Boardwalk Trail from the Blue Badge parking, featuring lowered slots and moveable benches. One screen is on Loxtons Marsh Trail, and one is on Walton Heath Trail, accessible via grass paths. The Tor View hide is reached by a 130m path from the Boardwalk Trail, while the Avalon hide can be accessed by a 670m rough grass path from the canal bridge after the first viewing platform. These trails allow visitors to watch wildlife without causing disturbances.
• Car Park: A large car park is available on-site. It opens daily according to the following schedule and is closed and locked outside these hours. It has 120 spaces, 5 of which are designated for Blue Badge holders. Additionally, there are 2 Blue Badge spaces within the reserve near viewing platforms and facilities, accessible with a RADAR key available from the Info Point. Make sure you pay to avoid charges.
  • 1 November – 31 January: 5am – 6.30pm
  • 1 February – 31 March: 5am – 8pm
  • 1 April – 30 August: 5am – 10pm
  • 1 September – 31 October: 5am – 8pm
• Toilets: Located in the car park area.
• Information Centre: Open from 10am to 4pm.
• Refreshments: Available at the welcome cabin during specific times.
• Accessibility: The Main Track, Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens, and Tor View Hide are wheelchair accessible.
• Dogs: Permitted on the main walkways, excluding the Reedbed Trail, Waltons Heath Trail, and Loxtons Marsh Trail as these are not public footpaths. Official assistance dogs have full access to the Reserve. Dogs are welcome on the Ham Wall Loop except for the path to the Avalon Hide.

Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve

Managed by Natural England and the Avalon Marshes: it presents a distinct landscape to Ham Wall.

• Car Park: Parking is available at the reserve, with applicable charges.
• Toilets: Toilets are accessible at the reserve, aligned with car park hours. They are located near the Information building and include an accessible toilet with bab
• y changing facilities.
• Hides and Trails:
  • Tower Hide: An architect-designed hide with views of the Avalon Marshes, Meare Heath, and surrounding wildlife. It is situated close to the Ashcott Corner car park and was built with donations from supporters of the reserve.
  • Decoy Hide: Offers views across the lake and is located at a dead end beyond a picnic area.
  • Barbara Handley Hide: A large hide with step-free access, situat
  ed at Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve, providing views of both Shapwick Heath and Shapwick Moor.

Top Tips for the Starling Murmurations

• Timing: The starling murmurations generally occur from late October to early March, with the most impressive displays typically seen in November and December.
• On the Day: make sure you get there in plenty of time, especially in the evening. Early morning get up and go is a much shorter affair for the starlings, with a lot less spectators. Parking will get very busy at peak times  (late afternoon), with potentially hundreds of people there all hoping to do the same as you! Please do not block access on the roads for locals! Many are just trying to get home after work.
• Check the RSPB and Natural England websites: For the latest information on opening times, parking charges, and any special events or closures.
• Call the Starling Hotline: Call the information line to find out where the starlings roosted the previous night. Although this provides some insight, it cannot predict where they will be when you arrive. The number is 07866 554 142, and the service is available from November 1 to February 28.
• Dress warmly: Evenings can become very cold, so it is advisable to dress appropriately for the weather and probably wear some sturdy footwear. A hat isn’t such a bad idea… there’s going to be a lot of birds right over you… think about it!
• Bring binoculars: These will enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
• Be respectful of the wildlife: Maintain low noise levels and adhere to designated paths.

But seriously, you’ll have a fantastic time watching those incredible starling gatherings.

Don’t miss out on the chance to witness nature’s own flash mob!