STARLINGS

[Willpar]

The young starling was back again this morning. Managed to get a couple of video clips. I have a feeling that the eye closest to the camera may be lightly damaged. We all know, get a poke in the eye and it hurts, can even cause disorientation. But it seemed a bit more perky this morning. At the moment it is in the feeder. I think it is eating whatever it can get, which is mainly leftovers.

Here are the couple of clips.



I hangs around the garden quite it bit and thats ok as long as it stays on the hedge or in the feeder. But it goes to ground quite a bit, and that is where it is more vunerable.

[Butterfly]

Aw poor thing, it definitely looks unwell and with a hurt eye , and you are right, it looks too young to be on its own , I think it should still be fed. Are there any parents/babysitters around helping? Its a good sign that its eating at least, getting enough food and energy is cruical at this time. Lets hope it pulls through.

[Willpar]

Not being baby sat butterfly. It was on the ground of my small plot when I went out with a top up of food, but flew away. So I scattered some suet pellets on the ground as well as putting some in the feeders, and topped up the fat balls by the hedge. Main problem it will have is cats if it keeps going to ground. So I am taking a chance in that respect by putting food on the ground Have also put a half of chopped up fat ball in the feeder it stays in quite often. Doing my best, only time will tell.

edit, just chased off a cat hiding behind the hedge. Have put out a trail cam now to keep a lookout on the small plot.

[Butterfly]

edit, just chased off a cat hiding behind the hedge. Have put out a trail cam now to keep a lookout on the small plot.

infuriating! . Good job you chased it off Willpar, but its definitely poorly if it stays on the ground, even with a cat around, they are usually terrified of cats and stay away until they feel safe again

On a lighter note, in my garden .... I could never get close to my feeders when the birds are there, every time I open my door to get out, no matter how quiet, they fly off. Many times, even if they see me through the doors they fly off. Today however, while I was out crouching cleaning the bird bath, one of them flew and landed on one of the hanging feeders with suet candle in it, right next to me . Bunch of others were in a near by tree, watching . So I stayed there, and spoke in a low soft voice, just so I don't look like I'm stalking them to attack. And then, for the first time ever, they all flew down from the tree and got to their usual business of feeding and squabbling, right around me!!! . It went on for about 10 minutes! Unbelievable experience, to be so close to them and hear every flatter of the feathers, and see them so up close, absolute privilege!!!

[Willpar]

They can come close sometimes and like you said is an experience to behold. Had that several years ago with the starlings, was sure a surprise.


Just about to say I have not seen the young starling since around 10am this morning. Have just looked out while typing this and it is out there in one of the feeders. Looking perky enough if it is the same one.

Nah, it just flew off and mighty quick. So not seen the little one since 10am this morning. I did go out for a few hours though.

[Placido]

Amazed to spot 2 sturklings firkling across the lawn this affie. Didn't go near the food cage, where there was food, but seemed perfectly happy for 5 minutes.
Haven't seen a sturk since I don't know when.

[Jacksparrow]

Amazed to spot 2 sturklings firkling across the lawn this affie. Didn't go near the food cage, where there was food, but seemed perfectly happy for 5 minutes.
Haven't seen a sturk since I don't know when.

We all know the outcome when two Sturks get up close and personal at this time of year You'd better look out your earplugs.

[Placido]

Oh, if only !! I would sincerely welcome a whole nursery-full of sturklets but I hardly ever see a sturk these days

[Placido]

A single sturk !! Not interested in food, just wanted a drink. Flew down from the fence to the Olympic-sized H2O facility and a m. blackbird appeared from nowhere. A bit of a dustup, victory to sturk, blackie flew into the adjacent pyrawotsit. Tried again and was really given the treatment.
End of confrontation.
Sturks 1 - Blackies 0

Am much heartened to know that there seems to be a tiny sturkling stronghold somewhere around

[Jacksparrow]

When push come to shove I have never witnessed a situation where the Blackbird wins. They often take an early lead by taking the Sturk by surprise but seconds later BB is on the backfoot and realising that Sturks aren't for messing with.