We climb these steps most days when walking home from town. 

And as I’m writing there’s yet another murmuration right above our house (see extra). Sadly, I’m not smart enough to know how to get a decent photo. 

There are all sorts of suggestions why they are so prominent this year. Perhaps temperatures as low as -40C in Russia have led to large flocks in the UK as they escape the cold. As it gets a little warmer here they’ll soon disappear. Some think the breathtaking aerial stunts help starlings keep warm, repel predators and exchange information about good feeding areas.

But we’re also told that the huge numbers of starlings in these murmurations might give a false impression. Starlings are on the red list and their numbers are down 68% in the last 25 years. 

Quite a sight.