loads of noisy fun when the starling fledglings arrive each year. I have noticed one of the first things they do after fledging is take a bath. I imagine those nests get a bit fetid by the time fledging happens.Bird wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 11:13 amStarlings are awesome aren't they? We name all ours as they live in the roof - one year, a parent was shouting like mad because a pre-fledgling was running up and down the guttering. This one turned out to be a right daredevil and acrobat, he gets in the feeders which only sparrows can, he's called Eddie, (after Eddie Kidd if you're old enough to remember him;)
The first new chick each year seems to get the gene of courage and gymnastic ability, and with the 4 blackbirds, I get through at least half a jam jar of soaked raisins a day.
I do love seeing 6 of them somehow fit in a standard bird bath.
STARLINGS
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Jacksparrow
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Re: STARLINGS
Re: STARLINGS
Haha, yes they must! Our ones took a lot of oregano for the nest, I don't know if they took it for the antibacterial properties, or just because it's soft and twiggy, but the nest would have smelled lovely for a day. 
Re: STARLINGS
3 new babies now, open mouthed on the lawn, demanding raisins and whatever sweet sweet wriggly things they might get.
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Jacksparrow
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Re: STARLINGS
The parent birds don't stick around long after fledging. I have witnessed them leaving the youngsters by some food and disappearing from sight while they're distracted.
Re: STARLINGS
Yes they leave us to babysit in the garden sometimes, but they always seem to have company - the in-laws would come over for raisins, and the adults & youngsters would all have a big celebratory bath.
Re: STARLINGS
Egg, son of Eddie, has already learned how to get in the caged feeder, and through the wooden bars of the little 'house' which are intended for only sparrows. Only Eddie has ever done this until now. He must be so proud!
