The Secret World of Starlings: My Journey Photographing the Birds in My Own Backyard

Hello fellow amateur wildlife photographers and bird watchers and welcome to my newest article “The Secret World of Starlings”.

I’m writing this article to share with you my experiences studying the starlings that live, feed, and nest in my backyard here in Lancashire, UK.

Starlings are fascinating birds and I’ve been lucky enough to observe them up close. They are social birds and are often found in large flocks. Within these flocks, they exhibit a variety of behaviors, including communication, aggression, foraging, mate selection, and cooperation.

I’ve been particularly struck by their ability to imitate other bird calls and sounds, as well as their beautiful plumage, which can range from iridescent greens and purples to matte black.

One of the most incredible sights I’ve seen associated with starlings is the murmuration. These spectacular aerial displays can involve thousands of birds swirling and diving in the sky and are a popular spectacle for birdwatchers and visitors to the UK. I’ve been lucky enough to witness this close to my home and it’s truly breathtaking to see.

Starlings are also a common bird in British folklore and have been mentioned in various works of literature, including Shakespeare’s plays. They are considered a species of conservation concern due to a significant decline in their population since the 1970s.

Some of the factors contributing to this decline include changes in farming practices, loss of winter food sources, and a decline in suitable nesting sites.

I’ve been fascinated by these birds and have been studying their behavior in my own backyard. I’ve placed bird feeders in my garden to attract them and I’ve been able to observe them up close as they feed.

They are omnivores and feed on insects, fruits, and seeds. I’ve also been able to observe their nesting behavior as they nest in the roof inside the eaves of my home. It’s amazing to see how they work together to incubate eggs and feed the young.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about starlings and would like to try studying them yourself, here are some tips that I’ve found helpful:

  1. Place bird feeders in your garden to attract starlings
  2. Observe their behavior and note any patterns or interesting behaviors
  3. Keep a journal of your observations and take photos or videos
  4. Research more about starlings and their behavior to better understand what you’re observing

FAQs:

Q: What kind of food do starlings eat?
A: Starlings are omnivores and feed on insects, fruits, and seeds.

Q: What is a murmuration?
A: A murmuration is a spectacular aerial display of thousands of starlings swirling and diving in the sky.

Q: Why is the population of starlings declining in the UK?
A: The population of starlings in the UK is declining due to changes in farming practices, loss of winter food sources, and a decline in suitable nesting sites.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my experiences studying starlings. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please feel free to reach out!

What’s your favorite bird to study in your backyard?

Leave a comment below!

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