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Starlings

BrambleBramble Posts: 1
in Wildlife gardening

Can someone please tell me where all of ny starlings have gone.Up until 3 weeks ago I had dozens and I used to rush out like someone demented when they all descended on the bird table.They were eating me out of house and home and the  poor sparrows were confined to the hanging feeders.Now I haven't seen one for weeks and I am "kind of" missing them.

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Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Third rock from the sunPosts: 32,175

    Hi Bramble. Your post has struck a nerve with me as I was having a similar discussion with my neighbour about the disappearance of my starlings. Not just recently but over the last 2-3 years. Like you I used to have many - squabbling over the feeders and tormenting the little birds - they even nested in my eaves. I did get quite excited this year when half a dozen or so came into my garden but they were gone as quickly as they had arrived. I too miss their boisterous behaviour.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    They gather at this time of year and roost en masse. It's both a feeding and safety strategy. Fieldfare, Redwing and wood pigeons do the same.

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 29,066

    methinks "mermeration" is the word

    Devon.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 29,066

    they arrive en masse here at this time of year. The dairy farmers hate them as they get into the cow barns to eat the feed , and erm, poop all over the place.

    Devon.
  • Kitty 2Kitty 2 ManchesterPosts: 5,150

    Think they're called murmurations Phillipa. (not sure of the spellingimage)

    I find them mesmerizing to watch, an amazing sightimage

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Third rock from the sunPosts: 32,175

    10/10 for spelling Kitty! Would still like to see mine back.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • B3B3 Posts: 18,679

    They roost on the local disused gasometer and drink the water left by the car washers in the supermarket car park. They ignore the distress calls played near the trolleys. What's not to like?

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • pkalk101185pkalk101185 Posts: 1
    I am forever seeing Starlings attracted in large groups to radar/cell phone masts. Sitting right next to microwave dishes has to be harmful to their lives and possibly to their reproductive system. This is just a guess as to why they are declining by 60% but is something to consider. It's a possibility?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Central Norfolk UKPosts: 71,827
    They’re declining in number due to the use of pesticides resulting in the decline in the number of grubs and invertebrates in grassland and also the decline in the amount of grazing leys where they can feed on these invertebrates. 
    This is why, if we can manage to have lawns/grass without treating them with chemicals to kill chafer grubs and leather jackets then we certainly should. 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 29,066
    I saw my first small murmuration of the season last weekend.
    Devon.
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