Dancing with the Starlings - Ripon City Wetlands, January 2026
- Tom Marsh
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
A week ago, I found myself standing on a grassy mound, surrounded by other people, binoculars all trained skywards in anticipation. It was a cold, frosty afternoon. The sun was setting in a crystal-clear sky, punctuated only by jet trails and the odd flock of noisy geese.
Our aim was to witness one of nature’s most mysterious and mesmerising spectacles: a starling murmuration. For wildlife photographers, murmuration photography is as much about patience and observation as it is about camera settings. Every glimpse of potential movement sparked excitement within the group, cameras and binoculars rising in unison. However, the longer we waited, the less likely it seemed that there was going to be a performance that evening. The eager crowd steadily began to disperse. Night had fallen, as had any hopes of seeing a murmuration.
The following Saturday afternoon soon arrived. This time, I was accompanied by a group of eager clients, relying on me to deliver on starlings. I have to admit, my confidence was low. Anyone who photographs wildlife regularly will know that nature doesn’t work to a timetable, no matter how much planning goes into a shoot.
The conditions were identical: the cold was biting, the sunset spectacular, the sky clear, and the hubbub of other hopeful witnesses palpable among the reed beds. Clear skies can be a blessing for photography, offering clean backgrounds and soft evening light, but they don’t guarantee activity. Murmurations are influenced by many factors — temperature, predator presence and the birds’ chosen roost all play a part.
As we walked along the canal, nervously scanning the sky, swans skated across the water’s icy surface — a reminder that it always pays to stay alert for alternative photographic opportunities. Meanwhile, a couple who had split up to check two different potential murmuration locations were conversing over the phone, sharing any aerial updates. Flexibility and communication are invaluable when photographing unpredictable natural events.
We tentatively made our way from the canal into the reserve. At first, a few starlings could be seen flying over us towards the direction from which we had come. Had we chosen the wrong spot? By this time, there wasn’t enough daylight left to retrace our steps, so we hedged our bets and stayed put, waiting with dwindling light and anticipation. In situations like this, committing to a location and being ready is often better than chasing every movement.
Despite our doubts, we began preparing our cameras. Shutter speeds were set high enough to freeze fast-moving birds, apertures adjusted to balance light and depth of field, and ISOs raised to cope with the fading light. Focus tracking was switched on — essential for photographing birds in flight — and compositions were mentally rehearsed. All we needed now was something to photograph.
Suddenly, a small group formed. Then they were joined by another, and another. The performance had begun. Sweeping over the surrounding trees, reed beds and patiently waiting public, the birds circled and dived in extraordinary patterns. For photographers, this is the moment when preparation pays off. The sound could only be described as stealth-like, the movement utterly mesmerising, and the constantly shifting shapes offered endless compositional possibilities.
Thankfully, my walk back to the car along the frozen canal towpath didn’t seem quite as cold or as long this week. I was glad I had persevered — and that I had, miraculously, chosen the right week for my official Photo Walk. Nature is nothing if not unpredictable, but that’s precisely what adds to the drama, the spectacle and the atmosphere. For photographers, it’s a powerful reminder that while technique matters, patience, adaptability and a willingness to embrace uncertainty are just as important.
Tips for Photographing a Starling Murmuration
Arrive early and be patient - Murmurations are unpredictable and can form later than expected. Arriving early allows time to observe bird movement, assess light direction and choose the best shooting position.
Use a fast shutter speed - Starlings move quickly and change direction constantly. A shutter speed of at least 1/1000s, and preferably higher, will help freeze motion and keep the flock sharp.
Enable continuous autofocus and burst mode - Focus tracking (AI Servo / AF-C) combined with high-speed continuous shooting increases your chances of capturing sharp frames during fast, chaotic movement.
Be flexible with ISO as light fades - As the sun sets, don’t be afraid to raise your ISO to maintain shutter speed. Slight noise is far preferable to motion blur when photographing birds in flight.
Think about composition, not just the flock - Watch how the birds interact with the landscape, light and sky. Including reed beds, trees or subtle colour in the background can add scale and context to your images.
Stay aware of alternative opportunities - While waiting for a murmuration, other wildlife moments often unfold around you. Keep scanning — some of the most memorable images come from unexpected subjects.
Enjoy the experience - It’s easy to become fixated on settings and results, but take time to step back and watch. Understanding the behaviour and rhythm of the birds will ultimately make you a better wildlife photographer.