Stunning 'flying saucer' starling cloud spotted in skies above Doncaster

This is the mesmerising moment thousands of starlings created a flying saucer in the skies above Doncaster.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The fantastic image was captured at the town’s Potteric Carr nature reserve – and shows more than 70,000 birds creating the iconic UFO shape.

Wildlife photographer Gez Robinson took the stunning photo after his grandson Noah spotted the birds flocking together above the wildlife reserve.

He said: “To see something like that is mind blowing.”

The flying saucer cloud of starlings above Potteric Carr. (Photo: Gez Robinson).The flying saucer cloud of starlings above Potteric Carr. (Photo: Gez Robinson).
The flying saucer cloud of starlings above Potteric Carr. (Photo: Gez Robinson).
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Known as a murmuration, the huge starling cloud, where thousands of birds swoop and soar through the skies is known as one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Birds group together just before dusk to create the amazing sight before settling down to roost for the night.

Over the last few weeks, visitors have been flocking to Potteric Carr to catch a glimpse of the murmurations which have become a regular attraction each winter.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.