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European Starling


European Starling
Photo Information
Copyright: Rick Price (Adanac) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1111 W: 1 N: 4518] (15132)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-03-17
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 40D, Canon 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS
Exposure: f/10.0, 1/800 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-03-25 20:27
Viewed: 564
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This starling was captured just outside Medicine Hat, He was one of a flock of about fifty, but he stayed for photos.

European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
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General Description

By Gustave J. Yaki


This species, as its name indicates, was brought to North America. In the autumn of 1890, 80 birds were released in Central Park in New York City. An additional 40 birds were set free the following spring. From that initial population, they have multiplied and spread across the continent, occupying all open urban and agricultural areas of Canada, USA and parts of Mexico. They colonized human-altered Alberta after the first recorded appearance at Camrose in late 1934.

The starling is an abundant summer resident in both urban and rural Alberta, particularly near human activities, avoiding the intact areas of the boreal forest and higher elevations in the mountains. Although most migrate south in late summer, a few overwinter in the southern half of the province. The first influx of returning spring migrants occurs in late February or early March.

The European Starling is mainly an insect eater. Flocks of these bird can be seen patrolling lawns or pastures, probing the soil for larvae of various insects. They also scavenged on human foods at landfill sites. When small fruit such as cherries are ripening, they readily utilize this food source, damaging much of it in the process.

Starlings are cavity nesters, utilizing man-made birdhouses, rural mailboxes, openings in buildings, cliffs, rock piles and natural hollows in poplar trees and the cavities made by woodpeckers. Upon completion of a nest hole made by a Northern Flicker, one of the starling pair jumps in while the other stands guard outside, ultimately forcing the flicker to dig another one - often only to have it usurped by yet another pair of starlings. The use of cavities by the European Starling caused declines in many cavity nesters, particularly Bufflehead, small owls and the bluebird species of North America. Starlings lay four to six eggs, incubated mainly by the female for 11 to 14 days. Two broods, occasionally three, are raised annually.

General Description

By Gustave J. Yaki


This species, as its name indicates, was brought to North America. In the autumn of 1890, 80 birds were released in Central Park in New York City. An additional 40 birds were set free the following spring. From that initial population, they have multiplied and spread across the continent, occupying all open urban and agricultural areas of Canada, USA and parts of Mexico. They colonized human-altered Alberta after the first recorded appearance at Camrose in late 1934.

The starling is an abundant summer resident in both urban and rural Alberta, particularly near human activities, avoiding the intact areas of the boreal forest and higher elevations in the mountains. Although most migrate south in late summer, a few overwinter in the southern half of the province. The first influx of returning spring migrants occurs in late February or early March.

The European Starling is mainly an insect eater. Flocks of these bird can be seen patrolling lawns or pastures, probing the soil for larvae of various insects. They also scavenged on human foods at landfill sites. When small fruit such as cherries are ripening, they readily utilize this food source, damaging much of it in the process.

Starlings are cavity nesters, utilizing man-made birdhouses, rural mailboxes, openings in buildings, cliffs, rock piles and natural hollows in poplar trees and the cavities made by woodpeckers. Upon completion of a nest hole made by a Northern Flicker, one of the starling pair jumps in while the other stands guard outside, ultimately forcing the flicker to dig another one - often only to have it usurped by yet another pair of starlings. The use of cavities by the European Starling caused declines in many cavity nesters, particularly Bufflehead, small owls and the bluebird species of North America. Starlings lay four to six eggs, incubated mainly by the female for 11 to 14 days. Two broods, occasionally three, are raised annually.
bobair, jaycee, Argus, mariki, maurydv, ramthakur, uleko, eqshannon, CeltickRanger, nglen, NinaM, angela926 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • bobair Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 384 W: 84 N: 1259] (4614)
  • [2008-03-25 20:40]

Hi Rick,
this is a very clear and well coloured capture of this starling.These birds vex me sometimes as they like to use the red tailed hawk's cry and then I look all over for the hawk and they even mimic merlins as well.They are regarded by many as a sort of vermin species here in Canada but I do not mind them in the slightest as when seen in a good light they just scream colour and interesting plumage patterns . Thanks for sharing this much maligned bird. Bob

  •      
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1911 W: 8 N: 4976] (16095)
  • [2008-03-25 22:02]

Hi Rick,

I think Starlings are such pretty birds. I love this shot showing off his handsome face and lovely colors. Your black is wonderful - and the eye sparkles. Excellent details, pose, lighting and setting.

Out of smiles - be back.

Jane

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2770 W: 151 N: 7984] (24857)
  • [2008-03-26 1:07]

Hello Rick,
Nice one of a European Starling in breeding plumage in an excellent composition among the tree branches against a blue sky. Good sharpness and lighting too.
Thanks for sharing this fine image,
Ivan

Hello Rick,

Well composed picture. Good sharp shot of this starling. Beautiful light and colours.
Cheers,
Mariki

Bellissima composizione ambientata, ottimi POV e DOF, eccellenti i dettagli dello storno, splendidi i colori e la luce con i riflessi del piumaggio. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2585 W: 170 N: 7879] (24911)
  • [2008-03-26 3:51]

Hello Rick,
The Starlings look so lovely in spring with the shiny metallic colours on their plumage.
This is a great capture of one in a fine pose with sharp focus on the head. They've recently arrived here and I hope to capture one some time.
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

You have unusual hours...this one was later than I am up or before me getting up....a fine image and a start creation of notions which I have as well addressed today ...although your image is colour, it is the black'ish sheen of the aviary which still talks the tale.
Bob

hello Rick

lovely shot of this Starling with a fine POV and framing,
excellent DOF, great sharpness and details of his dark plumage,

TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1812 W: 29 N: 5246] (17188)
  • [2008-03-26 8:47]

Hi Rick,
Great shot of this Starling with fabulous details on its plumage and nice blue-black colour tones. I like this natural surrounding and the blue sky as backdrop. Superb exposure control and you have captured a fine pose. Excellent POV and composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1888 W: 245 N: 6180] (22002)
  • [2008-03-26 9:45]

Hi Rick,
you've captured this adult Starling really well!
We can see the sharp, pointed beak, glossy feathers and speckled plumage very clearly here.
Sharp and detailed.
Very good composition.
Well done,
Joe

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2390 W: 194 N: 1991] (8113)
  • [2008-03-26 9:47]

Hi Rick,
now that was a nice gesture for him to stay until picture time was over. You made the best of it and captured it beautifully. Nice POV to get great details and very nice colors of that interesting plumage.
very well done.
Sky

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2130 W: 9 N: 5960] (22528)
  • [2008-03-26 10:39]

Hi Rick. A good close up of the Starling. the have such colourful feathers with you have captured so well with good detail in the nice light. well done TS.
Nick..

I am often surprised to see the color hiding in these birds feathers... just waiting for the right light to bring them out. These are smart and clever birds and very unpopular around these parts. It's a nice capture.

TFS
Evelynn : )

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 655 W: 0 N: 1623] (5300)
  • [2008-03-26 12:56]

You caught the rock star of the flock! They're a band of glam rock from New York and he is the one glittering the most. Beautiful capture Rick, lovely shining colours of the starling show off very well. I like those birds a lot and I like to listen to them, they are so funny and imaginative!Thank you!

Francine

Hello Rick,
Fantastic shot, excellent composition and nice pov, very good sharpness, beautiful colorsand very good details.
Angela

European Starling is a good looking bird, Rick, and it looks beautiful up there in the tree in your picture.
The light from the top gives a good impression of its glossy plumage.
Despite busy BG, the composition is very attractive.
TFS
Ram

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-03-27 7:11]

Hello Rick

A very good look at this starling.When the lighting is good like this ,the true colours really show well,and their plumage is quite impressive.
Very good POV and DOF.
Excellent clarity and sharpness.
TFS

Rob

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