Spectacular Starling murmuration spotted near Chester Zoo
A vast murmuration of starlings was captured on camera near Chester Zoo as the flock evaded an attempted attack by a bird of prey, thought to be a peregrine falcon.
The footage, taken by conservationists Mayukh Chatterjee and Alex Cunningham, shows thousands of birds forming dramatic aerial patterns above a housing estate in Upton.
Starling murmurations serve multiple purposes, including deterring predators, attracting additional birds to the roost, and maintaining warmth as night falls. In this instance, the tactic proved effective, with the falcon failing to capture its target.
Peregrine falcons have been observed hunting in the nature reserve areas of Chester Zoo’s estate, where conservation efforts are creating habitats rich in food sources. Starlings likely benefit from the availability of nuts, seeds, berries, and insects in these managed spaces.
While murmurations remain a striking natural spectacle, starling populations in the UK have declined significantly, placing them on the Red List of endangered species.
Their numbers have fallen sharply over the past 25 years, primarily due to habitat loss rather than predation. Conservation projects, including those at Chester Zoo, play an increasingly vital role in supporting bird populations.
Ruby Merriman, the zoo’s estate biodiversity manager, conducts regular surveys of bird and wildlife activity in the protected wetland areas.
Data suggests these spaces are well used by various species, including falcons, sparrowhawks, kestrels, and buzzards.
The murmuration footage will also be incorporated into Chester Zoo’s education programmes. “We’re passionate about helping people connect with nature, and this video is a fantastic resource to inspire engagement,” said Alex Cunningham.
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