Starlings and stars come together

TWO natural spectacles are set to come together at an event at a South Yorkshire nature reserve next month.

Flocks of starlings will be swirling in the sky above RSPB Old Moor, near Barnsley, on the same day that the reserve is also holding an event to mark the national "Stargazing Live" project.

On Saturday January 8, from 3pm, visitors will be joined by members of Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society, who will bring their telescopes to look at the stars.

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Liane Holdsworth, from RSPB Old Moor, said: "This will be a brilliant opportunity for people to watch two amazing natural spectacles.

"Seeing flocks of starlings swirling and dancing, making intricate shifting patterns in the sky as they come into roost, is quite breathtaking.

"Add to that the chance to look deeper into the night sky with the help of the experts and we have a wonderful evening in store."

Visitors can also watch astronomy films during the evening.

Les Marsden, from the astronomical society, said: "This partnership brings together two amazing natural phenomena – wildlife and the wonders of the universe."