Starlings Missing

[big bill]

Normally at this time of the year I have a large influx of stalings invading the garden and I cannot keep them going the fat balls always seem to be in great demand for them but this year there is no sign of them I think over the past 2 weeks I have seen 2 and that was today,anybody else up this end having the same problem or is it only me ?

[Cheryl]

No Bill, it's not just you - we've not had any like our old numbers, two arrived a few days ago and today I counted 6 - but nowhere like the numbers in the recent past.

[Madelinew]

I've only spotted one and that was briefly on a treetop yesterday. Last year I had them pigging out on my fatballs from the late summer onwards with parents teaching youngsters how to bathe in the shallows of my pond.

[Jonsfotos]

It`s been the opposite here.As soon as they see me filling the feeders they descend en masse.There have been good numbers of Starlings, sparrows,tits and finches visiting the garden throughout the year, ( The Goldfinches arrived later once they sussed I had Niger feeders out).Throughout today,at any one time, there was on average 30 Starlings around the feeders and on the lawn rooting about.Also in the late afternoon/early evenings, i have witnessed quite a few very large flocks on their way to roost, with one evening in particular a huge gathering at Minwear wood, Blackpool Mill which is near Haverfordwest.Numbers of Starlings (and other species) have been decreasing over the years that there is no doubt but in my case, this year by feeding regularly in the garden, i have managed to attract decent numbers of these quarrelsome and very entertaining birds which i find a joy to watch.

Jon

[earthdragon64]

Bill, they've all come from Nairn to Aviemore! I've seen some large flocks locally in the last couple of days, including over 50 sitting chattering in some trees just outside my garden.

[k4t3]

Here in South Yorkshire I have had good numbers of starlings all throught the year and even now have flocks of around 15-20 descend on my feeders as soon as I fill them..just cant get my head round people saying they are rare..I get loads in my garden year round

[acherontia]

Originally Posted by k4t3

Here in South Yorkshire I have had good numbers of starlings all throught the year and even now have flocks of around 15-20 descend on my feeders as soon as I fill them..just cant get my head round people saying they are rare..I get loads in my garden year round

Ditto! Except I'm in Lancashire. They've just been fairly consistent and I've watched all the youngsters grow up over the summer and now they only have a little of their juvenile brown around the head.
Bill - I wonder if someone else nearer to their roost is offering attractive food as well as you?
Or - if , as migrants, they've travelled further south than you this year because they knew it was going to be a harsh winter?
Sorry I can't be much help as far as your area's concerned

Acher

[aeshna5]

If you go to Slimbridge at dusk there are many tens of thousands coming to roost.

[Tringa]

Big Bill, do you know the Inverness Retail Park, close to the Raigmore roundabout?

In mid November there were loads of starlings roosting on the illuminated sign on the Tescos store.

Dave

[Jason Claxton]

Half a dozen in my garden Bill,about the same as last year.