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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Jul 30, 2007 14:50:54 GMT
I can't tell from that picture. I've only seen him from the side and the back both of which are striking. I have now have TWO. They're not a pair - totally separate entities because they duelled over the food. One went to the log and the other to the feeder and when they flew off, they went in different directions. Whatever they are, I'm thrilled and fascinated. I must find out what they are. www.suesbirdphotos.co.uk/GRASSHOPPERWARBLER.htmI'm sure this is the fellow. Just found these pics. The third one down is identical. Love Nuala xx |
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Post by Lord L on Jul 30, 2007 18:50:02 GMT
I can't tell from that picture. I've only seen him from the side and the back both of which are striking. I have now have TWO. They're not a pair - totally separate entities because they duelled over the food. One went to the log and the other to the feeder and when they flew off, they went in different directions. Whatever they are, I'm thrilled and fascinated. I must find out what they are. www.suesbirdphotos.co.uk/GRASSHOPPERWARBLER.htmI'm sure this is the fellow. Just found these pics. The third one down is identical. Love Nuala xx But a Grasshopper Warbler is very small - hard to see one seeing off a Starling! They are also very skulking, living in thick undergrowth, and feed pretty much exclusively on insects: not the sort of bird you would expect at a feeder at all. If it is, I am very impressed. |
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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Jul 30, 2007 19:25:25 GMT
Yes, you're right about size. I've just compared the two and the Grasshopper Warbler is certainly a lot smaller than the Starling. The third picture down is virtually identical to the birds I have in my garden. Can you make any suggestions at all as to what they may be? I have several bird books and was so convinced of the similarities between mine and the GW that I didn't look any further. I have a quest now. I have new batteries so I'll try and get a picture. They know where the food is now and have been back several times so I expect to see them tomorrow.
Thank you Lord L for the advice. I'll get there.
Love Nuala xx
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Post by sarah on Jul 30, 2007 20:46:54 GMT
oooooo I can't wait.
good luck nuala.
xx
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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Jul 30, 2007 21:45:31 GMT
Thanks Sarah. I'm quite good at identifying what does come into my garden but I've never seen these before.
Lord L is right. There are a lot of anomalies in that while they look alike, their behaviour is totally different. If I can get a photo, I'm sure someone will identify them for me.
Love Nuala xxxx
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Post by territalks on Aug 1, 2007 15:02:52 GMT
 Hi Lord L Thanks for that lovely bird picture. Love TT xxxx
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Post by territalks on Aug 1, 2007 15:04:43 GMT
Hi Nuala Thanks for the lovely Bird pictures. I do hope you manage to get a good picture of your lovely bird. I know you will let us know when you have I look forward to viewing the pictures. Love & Hugs TT xxxx
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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Aug 4, 2007 8:11:44 GMT
Good morning everyone. Happy Saturday. My two visitors have been playing games with me all week. I have spent quite a lot of the early mornings, skulking around the garden hoping to get a picture but they let me get so far and take flight. They are ground feeders too and they have a peculiar song which sounds a little like Tick Tick...a ratchet but not quite so harsh. I apologise in advance for the quality but this is only one of dozens all of which have been discarded because they are total blurs.  Come on Lord L. I'm counting on you. It's driving me up the wall now. They are so cheeky and playful too. Not a bit shy and their nest is in a neighbouring tree. Help. Love Nuala xx |
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Post by Lord L on Aug 4, 2007 8:20:27 GMT
Good morning everyone. Happy Saturday. My two visitors have been playing games with me all week. I have spent quite a lot of the early mornings, skulking around the garden hoping to get a picture but they let me get so far and take flight. They are ground feeders too and they have a peculiar song which sounds a little like Tick Tick...a ratchet but not quite so harsh. I apologise in advance for the quality but this is only one of dozens all of which have been discarded because they are total blurs. Come on Lord L. I'm counting on you. It's driving me up the wall now. They are so cheeky and playful too. Not a bit shy and their nest is in a neighbouring tree. Help. Love Nuala xx Juvenile Starlings! |
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Post by Lord L on Aug 4, 2007 8:26:35 GMT
Here's another:  |
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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Aug 4, 2007 8:28:08 GMT
I have considered this Lord L and have been around many juvenile starlings over the years as they come down with their parents to the nursery for feeding instructions. I have never seen these birds before. They are certainly adults and they are feeding young because they carry food back to the nest. I shall try and get a better picture. Their heads and beaks are totally different from a starling and the stark markings on their backs are nothing in keeping with the starling. It's a real mystery to me. I did also consider that they may be hybrids but I don't even know if that's possible in the ornithological world.
Love Nuala xx
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Post by Lord L on Aug 4, 2007 8:32:49 GMT
I have considered this Lord L and have been around many juvenile starlings over the years as they come down with their parents to the nursery for feeding instructions. I have never seen these birds before. They are certainly adults and they are feeding young because they carry food back to the nest. I shall try and get a better picture. Their heads and beaks are totally different from a starling and the stark markings on their backs are nothing in keeping with the starling. It's a real mystery to me. I did also consider that they may be hybrids but I don't even know if that's possible in the ornithological world. Love Nuala xx Honestly, it's a Starling. |
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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Aug 4, 2007 8:44:55 GMT
Thank you Lord L. I bow to your superior knowledge and feel like a deflated ballon. I shall continue to watch and if they don't change colour.......I will be back. They have been a great deal of fun whatever they are...and they ARE striking.
Love Nuala xx
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Post by lindasahandir on Aug 4, 2007 9:08:40 GMT
Nuala, I'm afraid I have to agree with Lord L. Have a look here, and look closely at the picture entitled "1st Winter" (click on it for a larger version) - it looks just like your photo.
We're getting loads of them in our garden at the moment. They're such fun to watch, aren't they?
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Post by Lord L on Aug 4, 2007 9:31:23 GMT
Hybrid birds are possible in theory, but they have to be between very closely related birds, and the Starling has no close relatives in this country: the only ones in Europe are the Spotless Starling and the Rose-coloured Starling - both extremely rare vagrants to Britain.
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Post by fayemcademy on Aug 4, 2007 9:34:59 GMT
sanguineous Hell -Lord L seems to be right.I would have argued against it but the Winter picture proves it!!
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Post by Lord L on Aug 4, 2007 10:06:14 GMT
sanguineous Hell -Lord L seems to be right.I would have argued against it but the Winter picture proves it!! I know stuff, matey! |
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Post by Janglers on Aug 4, 2007 11:02:21 GMT
I have considered this Lord L and have been around many juvenile starlings over the years as they come down with their parents to the nursery for feeding instructions. I have never seen these birds before. They are certainly adults and they are feeding young because they carry food back to the nest. I shall try and get a better picture. Their heads and beaks are totally different from a starling and the stark markings on their backs are nothing in keeping with the starling. It's a real mystery to me. I did also consider that they may be hybrids but I don't even know if that's possible in the ornithological world. Love Nuala xx It is a young starling. |
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Post by Nuala Bowtitt on Aug 4, 2007 12:58:08 GMT
Nuala, I'm afraid I have to agree with Lord L. Have a look here, and look closely at the picture entitled "1st Winter" (click on it for a larger version) - it looks just like your photo.
We're getting loads of them in our garden at the moment. They're such fun to watch, aren't they? Thank you Linda. I absolutely concede and thank everyone for their interest. I feel deflated because I have to admit, starlings are not my favourite birds ( sorry little chaps) but these held my attention all week and I did get some GREAT pictures of the log feeder. The link was so good, I've earmarked it for future use. Thanks again Lord L. Should have known you'd be right. Love Nuala xx |
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Post by lindasahandir on Aug 4, 2007 13:18:50 GMT
Nuala, I'm afraid I have to agree with Lord L. Have a look here, and look closely at the picture entitled "1st Winter" (click on it for a larger version) - it looks just like your photo.
We're getting loads of them in our garden at the moment. They're such fun to watch, aren't they? Thank you Linda. I absolutely concede and thank everyone for their interest. I feel deflated because I have to admit, starlings are not my favourite birds ( sorry little chaps) but these held my attention all week and I did get some GREAT pictures of the log feeder. The link was so good, I've earmarked it for future use. |
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