Miserable time for returning flock (5)
I believe the answer is:
troop
'flock' is the definition.
('troop' can be a synonym of 'flock')
'miserable time for returning' is the wordplay.
'miserable' becomes 'poor' ('poor' can be a synonym of 'miserable').
'time for' becomes 't' (I've seen this in other clues).
'returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'poor'+'t'='poort'
'poort' backwards is 'TROOP'.
(Other definitions for troop that I've seen before include "Squad" , "Band of people" , "March" , "Group of people or animals" , "Body of soldiers or scouts" .)