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Dawn murmurations in Somerset - Extra Dates03/02/2012 12:33:13
Starlings flock together in huge numbers called murmurations. Photo credit Danny Beath Extra dates due to popular demand The Starling Dawn Explosion, including a breakfast roll and hot drink afterwards, is bookable through Meare Manor and costs £6 per person. Call 01458 860449 for details. Dates are 3rd Feb 6.45 a.m., Sat 11th Feb 6.15 a.m., Sat 18th Feb 6 a.m. Meet at Ashcott Car park on the Meare to Ashcott Road. Crane Watch includes a talk with film, soup and drink, and trip to see the cranes. Dates are Feb 6th, 7th Feb, 17th Feb, 24th Feb, 25th Feb 10.30 a.m. - 13.30 and cost £12.50 per person. Meet at the Willow and Wetlands Centre. To book call 01823490249. Not suitable for under 12s. Outdoor weather gear and own transport needed.
The awe-inspiring sight of Somerset's swirling starlings just before sunset is well known. However, the RSPB and Natural England are hosting four events to witness an even more impressive spectacle - the Dawn Explosion. Hundreds of thousands of starlings flood out of the reed beds on the Avalon Marshes every morning. Starling watching in the evening always comes with an element of chance, whereas the RSPB hope to guarantee an up-close and personal experience. "This is a unique chance to take away the unpredictability of the evening roost" explained Somerset's People Engagement Officer Matt Brierley. "It is always a lottery where the starlings are going to go at dusk; yet the dawn explosion has been described as Britain's best natural phenomenon and we know where they are. Plus there's a brew and breakfast afterwards." The RSPB invites you to these special events on the 15th and 29th January, and 12th and 19th February. An RSPB staff member will meet you in the Ham Wall / Shapwick Heath car park on the Meare-Ashcott Road at 7.00 am and will lead you to the roost. Then afterwards enjoy breakfast and hot drinks at nearby Meare Manor, own transport required. £6 per person. Booking is essential - to book call Meare Manor on 01458 860449. The RSPB can also coordinate special Dawn Explosion visits to see the starlings for groups of 8 persons and over without refreshments at a cost of £3 per person. To book please call Jennifer Clark on 07739 190657 with a range of dates. For visitors wanting to see the starlings coming into roost before sunset, the RSPB are offering a free talk on weekdays. "It's a chance to get answers to all those questions like how far do they travel? How do you count them? And just why do they do it?" explained Matt Brierley. For more information about the weekday evening talk and parking instructions call the starling hotline on 07866 554142.
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