Murmuration at Otmoor

One of the most impressive feats of wildlife that can be encountered locally are the starling murmurations in Otmoor. These occur in the weeks leading up to, and following, Christmas, as the starlings overwinter in the UK from their breeding grounds elsewhere in Europe. Despite the amazing and elaborate appearance of these displays, it is thought that local rules of avoidance and attraction are adopted by individuals, which then propagate and influence the decision making of the flock on a larger-scale such that the group appears to 'self-organise'. Eventually, the birds will land, creating an incredible visual spectacle that gives the impression that the flock is a liquid being poured down into the reeds below, where they remained roosted overnight.