It had to happen!

Pam_M · #1 (**permalink**) 28-03-2009, 11:23 AM

I do not get the quantity of Starlings in my garden as in previous years, just the odd 2-3 and then not on a daily basis! However 2 Starlings were in the garden this morning and on the seed feeders as per usual and then to my surprise they found the apples and fat feeder on the apple tree! Nothing surprising there perhaps you may be thinking but I have been stocking this tree with apples, pears and fatcake/fatballs all through the winter and this is the first time that I have seen them on said food! I wonder if they are getting ready to nest and are sourcing available food in the locality of where they will be nesting?

Pics taken at a distance and through a window, so not brilliant!
As you can see the Blackbird was not impressed with the Starlings invasion of his food source!

mark1000 · #2 (**permalink**) 28-03-2009, 11:30 AM

The most Starlings i have seen this year is 6, but they just visit twice a day to feed, they love those fat pellets with insects in it. I need to figure out a cheaper food source its all starting to break the bank.

Mark.

Rob_D · #3 (**permalink**) 28-03-2009, 12:18 PM

Do you think the Starlings are dominant over the Blackbird? Starlings have a much sharper looking beak!

Dutchess · #4 (**permalink**) 28-03-2009, 01:05 PM

I would think Starlings would have the advantage over Blackbirds at feeding times as they are usually in pairs or small groups at the very least. Starlings look as if they'd "have a go" and drive off Blackbirds when it comes to food, even on a 1-1 basis, but I wouldn't put money on the Starling winning when it comes to a Blackbird defending it's young!

Such courageous birds. I do admire them

D.

Pam_M · #5 (**permalink**) 28-03-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark1000

The most Starlings i have seen this year is 6, but they just visit twice a day to feed, they love those fat pellets with insects in it. I need to figure out a cheaper food source its all starting to break the bank.

Mark.

Wilko are selling 2 packs of suet pellets for £3.00 at present, a good buy and the birds in my garden love em!!!

I agree with Dutchess with the Blackbirds being the more dominant when defending young!

I find that they normally live in harmony! The Starlings will however disappear when the Magpies arrive and the Magpies when the Crows arrive in the garden! Not that I get Crows that often mind! Just pecking order really!