Flycatcher starlings

[colincurry]

I was watching the house martins and swifts hawking around the sky above our garden, when I noticed the starlings joining in. Their approach was not as graceful but, as usual, this most adaptable bird coped very well.

This activity lasted for a couple of days and has now ceased. One of my books says that starlings take flying ants, but I would think it much too early for these. I don't know which insects they were after.

Some of the shots are better than others but both the starlings and I were operating at our limits:





This one seemed to be lowering its flaps to slow down. It already has one insect in its beak, and is after another....



Examples of agility





This one makes me laugh. I can't make out if it is one the final approach, or has missed and given up



Colin

[Jonners]

Great photos Colin. I too have seen starlings doing this, and would normally reckon on ants, but agree that it seems a bit early for them. Maybe St Marks Flies? There were oodles around the other week in the warm weather, and they are probably slow enough for Starlings to have a go at

[colincurry]

Originally Posted by Jonners

Great photos Colin. I too have seen starlings doing this, and would normally reckon on ants, but agree that it seems a bit early for them. Maybe St Marks Flies? There were oodles around the other week in the warm weather, and they are probably slow enough for Starlings to have a go at

Thanks, Jonners. I did wonder about St Mark's flies but have no idea really.

Colin