Sunday, February 2, 2014

The European Starling

According to the Cornell website, all the European Starlings in North America descended from 100 birds set loose in New York's Central Park in the early 1890s. The birds were intentionally released by a group who wanted America to have all the birds that Shakespeare ever mentioned. It took several tries, but eventually the population took off.

At times I feel as if all the descendants are in my backyard...

Today more than 200 million European Starlings range from Alaska to Mexico. Although their feather patterns and colors are attractive, their huge flocks and competition with native birds make them among my least favorite backyard bird...




Outdoor Wednesday
I'd Rather B Birdn'
Wild Bird Wednesday
Nature Notes
Find your Farmers Market