I’ve finally spotted Sturnus vulgaris—the common starling—around our house! These birds are a familiar sight here in Latvia, but it’s only recently that I’ve seen them near our home. Their presence is such a joyful one, and it feels great to have them around!
Starlings have this remarkable ability to brighten the surroundings with their energetic and lively nature. They’re known for their stunning plumage, especially when the light hits them just right ( I wish there was a sun outside! ), creating a shimmering effect that looks almost magical. But what’s even more impressive is their social behavior. These birds usually aren’t alone; they come in flocks! Watching them move together in such perfect harmony, almost as if they are one single entity, is always a mesmerizing sight. It’s hard to ignore the cheerful sounds they make as they go about their day.
Seeing them near our home adds another layer of connection to the nature that surrounds us. It reminds me of how the changing seasons bring new life and surprises, no matter how small. I look forward to their visits, hoping to see more of them as we move deeper into spring.
Ilze
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Murmurations of starlings used to be a cmmon sight around my home when I was young. Haven’t seen one for a very long time now, maybe they have all gone to Latvia?
Few are staying over winter, but I can see them in spring throughout autumn! The fun part is when the young ones are out 🙂 They are so loud – around mid-summer. I’m not sure why they aren’t with you anymore! Climate change? Usually, they are gone by winter, but few are staying near the Baltic Sea where the weather isn’t that harsh.
We have no shortage of these lively, cheerful birds in Ohio!
They really are full of personality, aren’t they? Do they gather in big flocks where you are? I’ve seen videos of those starling murmurations—they look like living clouds!
Yes, they do! It’s really quite incredible 🙂
A good description of a murmuration
Thanks! It’s such a mesmerizing sight—like nature’s version of a dance performance in the sky. Have you ever seen one in person?
Yes, often, Ilze. Thank you very much
Here is one: https://derrickjknight.com/2016/11/21/a-murmuration/
their happy chatter assures you that they are back!
Yes! That cheerful noise feels like a little celebration, doesn’t it? Like they’re announcing, “We’ve returned, and we’ve got stories to tell!”
Speakith!
They are attractive but are in invasive specie here causing millions in crop damage.
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/vertebrates/european-starling
Send them my way 🙂
Would if I could but they seem to have adapted… I guess 😂
Beautiful photo!
Thank you, Michael!
You’re welcome, Ilze.
Starlings are a nuisance in Australia. Wish I could send you some.
It starts to sound like they don’t know how to behave 🙂
They bother our native birds.
I’m sorry to hear that! Send them my way 🙂 actually, I can see how they might bother other birds!
As AI (artificial intelligence) sums it up: starlings “were introduced to the US in the late 1890s and have since become a common sight, with an estimated population of around 200 million.”
Who introduced them to the US!?
Here’s the answer:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Schieffelin
Come on, Eugene! 🙂