Starlings are not one of my favorite birds but in the wintertime I can count on a few hanging around and in really extreme conditions there may be a hundred stop by!
I love this one having a "staring match" with the Red-Bellied Woodpecker! Dueling beaks??
I love this one having a "staring match" with the Red-Bellied Woodpecker! Dueling beaks?? This pan of suet/peanut butter mix has been a hit with all the birds today and I need several more pans to keep them all happy!
At first I just had a couple hanging around and looking as cold and pathetic as every other bird. I could deal with that. Later I got 6-7 and that becomes 5-6 too many!
When I can get past how much I don't like them, their feathers are really rather beautiful to look at and so very different with the little tips all highlighted.
Trying to get to the peanut butter on the pine cones....another favorite all day long.
Feather close-up
Not an endearing look! Just plain nasty looking and belligerent.
I didn't realize how reddish the feet were......they look like twigs on a red bush.
A STARling MOON shot
(ungrateful critter!)
At first I just had a couple hanging around and looking as cold and pathetic as every other bird. I could deal with that. Later I got 6-7 and that becomes 5-6 too many!
When I can get past how much I don't like them, their feathers are really rather beautiful to look at and so very different with the little tips all highlighted.
Trying to get to the peanut butter on the pine cones....another favorite all day long.
Feather close-up
Not an endearing look! Just plain nasty looking and belligerent.
I didn't realize how reddish the feet were......they look like twigs on a red bush.
A STARling MOON shot
(ungrateful critter!)
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17 comments:
I see you love those starlings as much as I love these hooded Crows.
they really are nasty creatures.
if a sparrow gets to close its fodder even the Little doves are not safe. one Dove got away but its leg was taken. thankfully it survived and raised 2 chicks.
but as all of Gods creatures they and we are wonderfully made. and all have a place on this planet that he created. a bit like us some are nice some are just plain crettins.
Is is nice to see them close up sometimes, but yes they have a bad reputation!
Thanks Mary!
Lovely images Mary, the first shot gives me a better idea of the size of the Red Bellied scaled against a Starling. I always thought it was bigger than that.
Starlings are not my favourite birds, but you must admit their winter plumage is spectacular.
Love your Bluebirds below.
Personally I love Starlings, they are such great characters and there is never a dull moment with them!
Normally not a fan of Starlings, but you've captured them here in an endearing manner, showing expressions ranging from cold vulnerability to downright cheeky attitude. The Red-bellied Woodpecker looks so dignified by comparison. Cool shots!
Thanks everyone! We have snow today! Not a lot, but the birds are going crazy out there.
Roy: I looked it up and the Starling and Red-Bellied are almost the same size. RB just slightly longer. Our big woodpecker is the Pileated and Betsy and George both had some great shots of them yesterday!
Can't say I like Starlings, but they DO have interesting feathers.
You always have such good bird pictures!!!!
Maybe not the most wished for birds,but they are quite pretty.I guess they too have a reason for living.
Blessings,Ruth
I rather like Starlings, specially in winter when the plumage is star spangles and I love the murmmering noise when several get together for a chat. You got some great close up feather shots Mary. (-:
Tee hee.
If they just weren't so greedy and would let the other birds have some food, I wouldn't mind having a few of them around. They are perfect birds for the current world....Me, me, me first, last and always!
Hi Mary, We have some Starlings too--but not as many as you---at least so far. I've run some of the off of the feeders --and they don't seem to come back quickly, thank goodness. I do not want them here!!!!!
We got a diddly squat of snow --but not too much. It's cold though and icy. We're not going anywhere...
Hugs,
Betsy
I love Starlings, always have. Years ago when I was healthier, I did a lot of rescue/hand raising. Starlings are extremely friendly to people. Unlike the titmouse, who will (generally) bite and peck you in a second, given the chance.
I can understand some of the reasons that some people don't like Starlings, but personally I love them. And your shots are great of their feathers.
Betsy: We didn't get much snow, but it was really cold and blowing hard. Makes it seem worse then it is.
Debbie: They sure don't seem friendly at the feeders. I think that is one reason most people don't like them. They are bullies. They are rude. They don't share with the other birds. They are greedy. All the things we don't like in people, also! I can't imagine that they are friendly. That really surprised me.
How did I get so far behind? Yes they are a pest, but I don't have too many this year, and their feathers are arranged in such a unique color pattern, and ys gotta love the red legs..
B.
Becky: I've certainly had worse years! I only have about a dozen, but that seems like 6 dozen when they shove everyone else out of the way and eat everything.
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