I actually enjoy having these guys around. I give them plenty of room at the feeders, so they don't bother the other species too much. Their many colors really shine when the sun hits them just right.
This starling has transitioned to his winter plumage. We have six of these guys who have decided to stay the winter. They like the suet and peanuts I provide.
This starling in winter plumage was standing on alternate feet as he struggled to keep his feet warm. The temperature was in the teens and the wind was blowing 30MPH. He kept looking in the mealworm box as if he wanted to climb in and get out of the wind, but the holes are only big enough for bluebirds.
The starlings are starting to pair off and look for places to build nests already despite the cold weather. At our place with all the feeder options I provide, they get along very peacefully with all the other species. They defer to the bluejays, evening grosbeaks, redwing blackbirds and grackles.
We have about 6 starlings still visiting our backyard feeder area. They were looking pretty desperate during the icy cold snap we had last week. This one decided to sample some of the left over crabapples. After picking them off the branch, getting them down the gullet was a bit tricky. It dropped 2 before getting one into the gullet.
This european starling is part way toward its winter plumage. Even though these birds often elicit negative reactions, we love them for their intelligent conversations and inquisitive behavior.
Bird Species
