Why do Starlings do this?

[Ben]

Now that the blue tits are busy in and out of the nesting box in my garden I notice quite often that the starlings must see them and fly on to the nest box and look as if they are trying to look inside the box sometimes even putting their beak inside.Can anyone tell me are they just curious or would they harm the eggs or young chicks inside.:confused:

[Kerry L]

Hi Ben

I think they are just very inquisitive. Our starlings and babies had ventured out and so did our mousey thing, and after the initial shock of coming face to face with each other, Scuttlebutt, the mouse, ran back under the steps. The parent starling followed the mouse to see where it went, but couldn't get any further. I know they don't eat other birds, but they are rather fond of insects and anything else that is put out for them, so I don't think the baby birds are in any danger from these crazy birds. They probably wanted to play!

Regards, Kerry:)

[Ben]

Hi Ben

I think they are just very inquisitive. Our starlings and babies had ventured out and so did our mousey thing, and after the initial shock of coming face to face with each other, Scuttlebutt, the mouse, ran back under the steps. The parent starling followed the mouse to see where it went, but couldn't get any further. I know they don't eat other birds, but they are rather fond of insects and anything else that is put out for them, so I don't think the baby birds are in any danger from these crazy birds. They probably wanted to play!

Regards, Kerry:)

Hi Kerry,
Thanks for your reply. You are right they probably are just inquisitive but my wife and I get concerned about the nesting family and just hope they get a chance to fly off safely.

Regards Ben.

[justsomeoneelse]

hello all,
..hmm, speaking of starlings... i'm finding them to be a nuisance now. we have three areas in the garden that have suet cake hangers and have anything from five up to eleven of them in each place all fighting to get food... yet i read starlings are in decline ? they constantly bully the smaller birds off the suet cakes and devour anything edible within minutes. they're even starting on the peanut feeders now. how can i 'persuade' them to leave the smaller birds in peace for five minutes ?


justsomeoneelse


ps. apologies if i've offended any member of the 'pro starling lobby' !

[Barbara Jane]

The starlings down here where I am, fly around in swarms, just like lotus and eat everything in sight! Into the vineyards (when its harvesting time) and on the land to gobble up all they can. At night in the small town near to me they congregate in the trees and woe betide anyone parking under those trees as you would need to go through the car wash to be able to drive your car afterwards ! (That is of course if the car wash is working) So shortage of starlings,can't see one!

Barbara Jane

[Barbara Jane]

Sorry everyone that should have read "Locusts"

Barbara Jane

[justsomeoneelse]

hello all,
..i was just about to say starlings are like boy racers... but nevermind ! ;-)


justsomeoneelse