People are invited to enjoy one of nature's greatest wildlife spectacles in the skies above north Cumbria.

The annual aerial display put on by starlings at this time of year is always dazzling, but the birds above the Tarn Sike Nature Reserve, near Orton, are astounding visitors.

During the late autumn and winter, starlings group together in their thousands to form patterns in the sky, seeming to move as a single body.

The murmurations can involve up to 110,000 birds at any one time.

The birds prefer calm weather for their hypnotic displays and are frequently seen flying together across the Solway, near Gretna, then dropping down into bushes and reeds to roost.

The formation of hundreds of thousands of starlings at the reserve near Carlisle is so spectacular however, that Cumbria Wildlife Trust is hosting a public viewing event tonight TUE .

Andrew Walter, reserve officer at Tarn Sike Nature Reserve, said: "The starling murmurations around the Sunbiggin area have been talked about for a few weeks so I planned a routine visit to the Tarn Sike Nature Reserve to take in the roosting period at dusk.

"After walking the small 2.6ha reserve to check the sheep and to see how grazing was getting on, the first groups of starlings were appearing.

"Wave after wave of starlings joined the increasingly massive flock. It was time to take a seat on the bridge to watch one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles."

The session runs from 3.30pm to 5.15pm and is free to attend, but the trust is advising that people book to ensure there are not too many people.

Mr Walter also had some advice for prospective bird-spotters.

"Please be aware that starlings are easily vulnerable to disturbance," he explained.

"During your visit we kindly ask that sound is kept to a minimum before, during and after their roosting time."

Dogs are also banned from the reserve during the spectacle.

Visitors are advised to wear dark, windproof and waterproof clothing - including wellington boots.

Mr Walter added: "Head covering is recommended to protect from possible bird droppings."

To reserve a place, email mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01539 816300 to reserve a place.