ONE of nature’s most spectacular winter events took place at a North-East nature reserve, yesterday.

Thousands of starlings performed an aerial dance in the skies above Low Barns Nature Reserve, near Witton le Wear, County Durham.

The birds are using the reedbeds as a safe place to roost for the night and visitors are being treated to their dramatic aerobatics.

As many as three sparrowhawks are among those enjoying the spectacle and have regularly been seen taking birds from the flock.

Craig Best, from Durham Wildlife Trust, which runs the reserve, said: “This is a must-see event and is not only a spectacular visual event but the sounds of thousands of birds flocking together is unforgettable.”

The birds are best seen from about 3pm, near the boardwalk reedbed or from the Northumbria Water hide. For more information, call the trust on 0191-584-3112.