Yorkshire photographer snaps moment starling murmuration looks like Christmas stocking

Photographer Ed Sykes, 42, of Halifax, West Yorkshire, was out visiting one of his favourite spots to picture the birds

This is the moment a photographer captured a huge murmuration of starlings forming the shape of a giant Christmas stocking.

Photographer Ed Sykes, 42, of Halifax, West Yorkshire, was out visiting one of his favourite spots to picture the birds on Saturday afternoon (05/12).

Taking the shot just as the sun was setting at 4.15pm and against the trees at RSPB Fairburn Ings, Castleford, a protected nature reserve area.

The birds then beautifully formed the shape of a giant Christmas stocking much to photographer Ed's amazement.

Ed said: "I've visited the site to photograph the starlings numerous times over the past couple of weeks.

"As we move into December and build up towards Christmas it's great to capture

such an opportune photo."

The starlings formed the festive picture perfectly before going to roost in the nature reserve.

Starlings often appear in huge groups to stay safe from predators and warm at night forming beautiful images across the sky by twisting and turning like shape-shifting clouds.