It is a sight to get anybody twitching.

Thousands of starlings circled the West Pier in Brighton yesterday afternoon in the return of one of the most stirring sights in Sussex.

As the sun set over the English Channel, passers-by stopped to enjoy the free display of acrobatic team flying, known as a murmuration.

Hester Phillips, of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said: “It is very impressive, quite an amazing spectacle.”

The RSPB is holding sessions on the Palace Pier from December 7 until the end of February for amateurs to enjoy the view of the flocks soaring over its ruined neighbour.

For more information, or to send memories, pictures or poems about the birds, please email brightonstarlings@rspb.org.uk or 01273 775333.