European Starling In Non Breeding Colors

by Lois Bryan

Title

European Starling In Non Breeding Colors

Artist

Lois Bryan

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

A European Starling, his beautifully pattered spots and speckles at their prettiest during the non-breeding season, takes a rest from squabbling with his flock-mates on a cold, winter afternoon. Beside him is a bit of birdie fruit from the nearby feeder. Note the feathers on Birdie's head ... he's clearly ready to defend his treasured snack against the other members of his noisy family.

This guy is the great-great-etc.-grandson of a grouping of 60 starlings that were brought over to the United States by Eugene Schieffelin in 1890. His motive was apparently to add all the birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare to the US. He also tried to introduce several other native English birds, but without the success of the Starling.

The bad news is European Starling's introduction here was so successful that many native birdies' have suffered, in particular the bluebird and the flicker.

The good news is ... the enjoyment of the beauty of their amazingly beautiful and unique plumage, as seen in this image. Also ... well, just watching them interact with each other. They are a funny group ... and I have gotten many chuckles out of their antics. But probably most astonishing is their incredible aerial displays ... clouds of starlings will gather in what is known as a murmuration ... and their sky-dancing will take your breath away!!!

Fine art purchases of this image will not include a watermark, and if I may make a recommendation ... this image will look its very best on the fine art paper choice of "picture rag."




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March 11th, 2018

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