Starlings...and their absence...

[anneintoronto]

I was out for my daily hike today and once again realized that, although we have pigeons, sparrows and crows around as usual, we don't have any starlings!  We haven't had any all Summer...  Have any of you, in similar geographic areas, noticed this?  Are any of you hoarding starlings?  I know they aren't the most popular birds, but their absence leaves the early morning sounding, well, quiet!  I know, I know -- what am I complaining about?  It's just that it is too quiet -- I can't sleep!  Honest! *grin*

Just wondering...

Anne C. (Toronto, ON Canada, eh!)

[Bobbie Ireland]

Anne, on this side of the pond, it is some of the common species that are causing concern. Our greenfinches have contracted some sort of virus... and they even say the house sparrow is becoming more scarce, tho not at our feeders... I think we have the National Collection. I am actually quite fond of starlings... tho, until we had new fascias put up, it was not lots of fun to have them in the roof space! Somehow, I think they have a sense of humour...

[Bird Crazy]

We have some here in Ohio but they usually leave with Red Winged Black Birds who are all ready gone for the winter. Uh Oh does that mean that we once again are going to have an early winter? Yikes not another one. I still haven't recovered from the last one. 

[MAK]

There are plenty of Starlings here in Rochester. Shall I send you some!?

[Dumpsterkitty]

I found them!  Driving in to work this morning there were so many starlings they were spilling off the wires and out into the road!

[anneintoronto]

Wow, so that's where the starlings all are!  In New York State!  Sure -- send some over!!  It's really just too quiet here in Ontario!!  And besides, I love their iridescence and their boldness!  I'm sure that the sparrows won't look favourably on my request, but hey, this is a cosmopolitan city -- there's room for everyone and everything!!  So, if you don't mind...is tomorrow too early?

Thanks! 

Anne C. (Toronto, ON Canada, eh!)

[MAK]

Next time they land in my yard I'll send them packing in your direction!

[Carol P.]

Hey Anne,

Like MAK said, we have lots and lots of Starlings over here.  I'll be sure to shoo a few hundred of them across the lake.   

I was out for my daily hike today and once again realized that, although we have pigeons, sparrows and crows around as usual, we don't have any starlings!  We haven't had any all Summer...  Have any of you, in similar geographic areas, noticed this?  Are any of you hoarding starlings?  I know they aren't the most popular birds, but their absence leaves the early morning sounding, well, quiet!  I know, I know -- what am I complaining about?  It's just that it is too quiet -- I can't sleep!  Honest! *grin*

Just wondering...

Anne C. (Toronto, ON Canada, eh!)

[anneintoronto]

Come on, Rochester!  I'm waiting for the Starlings...  I still haven't seen a one!  When are you going to send them?  Went to bed at 5am and couldn't sleep, too quiet! -- got up again at 6am...another sleepless night!!  Please!  Soon!  If I don't get my one hour of sleep, I'm a terrible grump at the office!! 

Anne in Toronto

[Carol P.]

Come on, Rochester!  I'm waiting for the Starlings...  I still haven't seen a one!  When are you going to send them?  Went to bed at 5am and couldn't sleep, too quiet! -- got up again at 6am...another sleepless night!!  Please!  Soon!  If I don't get my one hour of sleep, I'm a terrible grump at the office!! 

Anne in Toronto

Hmmm, wonder if they make one of those nature soundtracks with the soothing sounds of Starlings.   

[~Ruth]

Maybe you could count starlings instead of sheep.  Invent different ways they move from tree to tree or yard to yard.

[Carol P.]

and when Kaver would bring a Starling to Mariah, we would all say "He brought a Starling for his darling!"   

[anneintoronto]

I would if I had any "darling starlings" to count!  I have a "Sounds of the Countryside" disk, but when a farm dog barks or a cow mows, it wakes me up!!  Darn!!  NO, I need masses of starlings!  Please, guys, can't you share just some....

Anne in Toronto

Maybe you could count starlings instead of sheep.  Invent different ways they move from tree to tree or yard to yard.

[anneintoronto]

Today I saw a little fledgling Starling!  It was so iridescent in the sun and so small!  It was running around in the grass and then, with maximum effort and a little grace, flew up to a nearby sapling!  It made up for all the Starlings that I've been missing! 

Anne in Toronto