Nature’s own aerial display: At this time of year, many birds flock in impressive numbers to spend the winter together. It is a case of safety in numbers — the bigger the flock, the less likely any individual will be taken by a predator, such as a marauding sparrowhawk. And, just as handy, the more eyes there are looking, the more food will be found.

If you head down to BBOWT’s Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve you are likely to be treated to the aerial acrobatic skills of large numbers of wildfowl and waders. Birds to look out for include black and white lapwings and golden plovers: two birds that are scarce at other times of year, but can be seen in large numbers in the winter, particularly during cold weather.

If you are lucky you might be able to watch a local peregrine falcon looking for its next meal as it harasses the flocks of waders. Often quoted as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine can reach speeds of more than 150mph as it hunts. It will target a straggler in a flock and drop from a great height to take out the unfortunate individual, with the impact of the strike often killing the bird outright.

Spectacular starlings: Perhaps the most famous aerial gymnast of the bird world is the starling or, more accurately, lots and lots of starlings. In the winter, and particularly between November and January, vast numbers of starlings gather to perform incredible ‘fly-pasts’ at dusk before funnelling down to roost in reedbeds or similar habitats.

Small flocks stream in from all directions to form a ‘super flock’ which continually changes shape and density, while splitting and merging. It always amazes me that the birds do not collide while performing such high-speed manoeuvres so close to each other! As the birds settle to roost, the air fills with the sound of their calls, reaching a crescendo.

The best place in our area to see this awe-inspiring display is at the RSPB’s Otmoor Reserve just north-east of Oxford. Each winter, the reedbed at Otmoor hosts a starling roost numbering tens of thousands. In turn, such large numbers of starlings attract the attention of the local sparrowhawk population which swoop in to catch a meal. This daily event is now quite a tourist attraction, with birdwatchers and interested locals present on site most winter evenings to enjoy the aerial spectacular.

It’s interesting to note that many of the starlings will be continental birds wintering in Britain to take advantage of our milder winters.

Find out more: To find out more about BBOWT’s nature reserves and local wildlife in your area, or to join in an event, visit www.bbowt.org.uk or call 01865 775476.