Starlings

[citychick]

Are they really struggling? And what can we do to help them?

L x

[Dogghound]

The main causes of decline are associated with farmland management and changes in land use. The species is not in danger of becoming extinct. Providing nest sites and food all help and controlling domestic cats too, as they are known to have a significant impact of this species especially when young.

[k4t3]

I have loads of starlings visit my garden, so much so that they almost become a pest, but despite their greedy ways and their scaring off the smaller birds, I am happy to have them there...they are so pretty with their irridescent plumage..and people tell me that they are scarce in other areas... If I put out plenty of varied food then am catering to many different species and can accomodate the starlings as well as the smaller birds...hope I can please all the birds all the time...

[bob.phillips]

Lots and lots around here. Starling roost of some 3000 birds locally and loads in my garden each day attacking the fat balls

[aeshna5]

For me they are often my Sparrowhawk detector! Twice this week in different parts of London I've spotted a small flock of Starlings begin to wheel in tight formation which made me scan for the enemy, which was soon located thanks to the Starling warnings.

On the first occasion a flock of Starlings + a single Feral Pigeon seemed to follow after the Sparrowhawk, though not actually mob it. The element of surprise had gone for the raptor.

I've certainly had less Starlings in my garden this winter, though there still seem to be plenty in the locality.

[citychick]

I've noticed wiggly wigglers sell Starling nest boxes - would this help them in anyway?

We have them visit daily and appreciate their beauty. After seeing how their numbers are dropping want to help them in every way.

[lastcornishman]

Hi thousands in cornwall this winter, ironic, but farms are pickled with them, this afternoon a 2 acre field was literally covered with them, on farms they are a pest, the" mess" they make is incredible, about sundown they all head north to the davidstowe area to roost,(and prepare for tomorrows sorties!!) leaving their droppings on anything that does not move out of the way, and some things that do, even the cattle,

[artdemole]

Two flocks,each about 40 join together at times.Some have come back to the feeder and lawns,but only since snow has gone...

[danthekeeper]

Last sunday we saw 2 huge flocks of starlings at dusk over westlands in yeovil

[Harold Smith]

There does seem to be a lot more this year. I've had up to fourty or so in my garden on several occasions whereas in the previous few years I would have been lucky to get more than six. I've seen a lot more in the trees where I live in Gloucester. And it has been reported that there are several roosts of around 3000 to 5000 Starlings on the outskirts of the City.

I wonder if it is to do with the colder weather conditions this year pushing the Starlings further South.

Harold.