Starling Antics

[LoveT]

On Sunday I got to watching (and photographing) the birds on my feeders, and thought I'd share these images with you. I spent quite some time watching the starlings in particular, and I've come to the conclusion that I really rather like them - their winter plumage is bold and quite lovely, especially when the sun shines on it, and I know that some folks consider them a pest, but you've really got to admire their tenacity when it comes to feeding!

In-flight meal:

Hanging in there:

Down the Hatch :

Beautiful Plumage Part 1:

Beautiful Plumage Part 2 (taken a week earlier):


Despite the fact that they are greedy, messy little wossnames, the sparrow population around my feeders seemed to have cottoned on to the fact and wait patiently below the feeders to catch the 'fallout' from these activities !

Pictures were taken through the lounge window so as not to disturb the birds.

Thanks for looking

Thea

[loripo]

Lovely set of images - especially 'Down the Hatch'

[bugly's]

I am a starling fan, i have worked on some rather special bird reserves with the lists of rare species, but there is something about the starling that means i just never get tired of seeing them. They are adaptable, great mimics (spotty buzzard mewing from my roof yesterday!) very amusing and the flocking is just a ridiculous show of aerodynamics and unity. Dull rare Little Brown Job on a freezing beach in norfolk or starling roost outside village pub, i know which has my vote.

[LoveT]

Cheers folks

I've experienced the 'buzzard' call as well - it had me fooled for a while, I can tell you!

When they come to the feeders, they do tend to take over, but they make such a mess that all the other birds get fed anyway

Thea