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    02

    Feb 2023

    Last Updated: 01/02/2023
    Environment
    Environment

    Photographer captures spectacular starling murmuration at Ripon wetlands

    by Calvin Robinson

    | 02 Feb, 2023
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    starlingsripon
    A starling murmuration at Ripon wetlands. Picture: Andy O'Brien.

    A photographer has captured stunning images of a starling murmuration at Ripon wetlands.

    Andy O’Brien shot the pictures last week at the site, which is part of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

    He said the spectacle had become a regular occurrence and that local bird watchers estimated that some 150,000 starlings can be seen at the wetlands.

    Mr O’Brien, who shared the pictures with the Stray Ferret, said:

    “It’s virtually an evening occurrence at the moment and incredibly spectacular not just visually but the noise of the birds turning sounds like waves crashing against rocks.”


    You can watch the murmuration at Ripon below.

    https://youtu.be/iv-y3R-b4Ak

    The images come as today marks World Wetlands Day, an initiative aimed at raising global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.

    Rachael Bice, chief executive of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said it was important to celebrate and protect wetlands, such as the one in Ripon.

    She said:

    “Today is the day for celebrating our beautiful and wilder wetlands in all of their bountiful variety. A home for wildlife from the common frog right through to the rare bittern and water vole, wetlands are abundant in wildlife.
    “Lush pools, lakes and ponds, fringed by golden reeds, meadow or woodland are vital in helping us adapt better to a changing climate, and provide a peaceful place for restoration and relaxation.”