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No social distancing for the starlings

Winter is starling murmuration season! Find out where to see it in Derbyshire.

According to the bird experts at the RSPB starlings gather into these large swooping flocks known as murmurations mainly to baffle predators like peregrine falcons.

But it could also give them a way to exchange information on feeding grounds and roosting places, because there is both safety and warmth in numbers.

Murmurations start to happen at UK sites in November, but bird numbers typically increase through the winter.

If you’re happy to brave the chilly weather, why not visit a site where you can witness this – one of nature’s most amazing spectacles. A good option here in Derbyshire is close to the British Fluorspar site at Cavendish Mill near Stoney Middleton where the starlings gather at dusk over disused tailing ponds, before settling to roost for the night.

Visit in late afternoon, wrap up very warmly and take care at the site to keep to the signposted paths. There are some hazards relating to deep water and quick sand.

And of course remember to stay safely socially distanced – unlike the starlings!

 

View over moorland from the top of the Cavendish Mill site