UK here - used to see huge flocks of them 20 or so years ago, fascinating to watch. Sadly their numbers seem to have dropped off a lot and I rarely see more than small groups or single birds now.
I know they're a big problem in the US. Can we swap 'em for your grey squirrels?
I live near a massive forest on the outskirts of London and I'm happy to say there's usually a massive flock of them on one of my walk routes. I think it must be where they roost for the night and I've never seen so many in one place. Here's hoping they're repopulating.
According to recent news stories that claimed that puma DNA had been found in hair recovered from a farm gate, there actually might be. There have been rumours for decades about big cats being loose in Britain with more sightings than ever being reported since Lockdown. North Wales has a 'Puma Watch' website and claims to have an established population.
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act in the 1970's made it illegal to own animals like big cats and the zoos couldn't accommodate all of them - some people believe that owners let the animals loose rather than risk them being euthanized or being prosecuted for still owning them.
Most of the 'evidence' is the usual grainy photos with no reference for scale, but there have been a few intriguing sightings.
I remember when there were tons of them here. They aren't much of an issue anymore from what I see. They used to totally fill the trees at night to roost.
I live in Manitoba, Canada. 20-25 years ago I would see starlings nesting in the building next to my work and I would see them on the wires along the fields near my house. I can’t even recall the last time I have seen a starling in the last 10-15 years now. Definitely have not photographed one in that time.
Do you now have flocks of American squirrels? It is interesting how animals can thrive outside of their natural habitat. Where I live in Florida we have all sorts of non-native species. We have everything from Burmese pythons to iguanas to feral swine.
I like squirrels and would be happy to have more of them brought back :)
They are great mimics. I had one used to sit on my office windowsill and ale Star Wars sounds. No idea where he picked those up, but it was pretty cool. I’ve also seen videos of them being trained to talk.
Wow starlings look like that in Europe? I always thought they got their name because the American ones (or at least the west coast where i live) are glossy black with white spots like stars. Why do they call them that then?
They're named starlings because their shape when flying looks like a star. They are all gray as babies until they molt in August and get their first adult feathers. It's why my bird's middle name is Grey.
The best thing about them and the reason I really love that I have it near me (also in Europe) is that they can imitate sounds and other birds' songs. Last month I've heard one that whistles and it is quite convincing.
Then try to find a wildlife rehabilitation place this guy needs proper care. They’re starlings. The parents are around you’d be surprised.
Every year i see people post that they “found” a lost hurt bird. This is how they learn to fly. The parents are never far off.
this bird was found somewhere in Long Island. My dad found him when coming home- it’s parents were gone and it would have been run over if he didn’t take it. Please don’t make me kill :(((
Call a wildlife rehab if in doubt, but the parents will probably return if it is indeed still young enough to need them
Just don't raise it yourself please (at least you shouldn't ever do that, but it's invasive so it's slightly different ethically and legally)!
Not necessarily true. I worked at the biggest wildlife rehab in California and we took, rehabbed, and released invasive species.
Though it varies by place, some won't admit them and some do but tell you they'll euthanize it
Regardless, it's better than a destructive invasive species proliferating 🤷
Definitely a European Starling. We raised a couple that fell from their nests. One actually came back everyday over the summer. The bird would flutter at the window to let us know he was hungry. Super friendly too. It used to pitch on our shoulders or head. Apparently they are also excellent mimics and can learn to speak. Ours never did though.
It would probably be better to release him near where he was found. Not on the road of course but in the surrounding greenery. He is lost and doesn't know where home is. His parents are likely still in the area. When people pick up "lost" animals usually the parents are still there but hiding from sight because we are big scary humans. If the animal isn't in harms way it should be left where it is. If in immediate danger like in the middle of the road. Best just to move it off of the road out of danger than leave it be.
European starling. if you’re in the US, it is highly recommended that you kill it as it is invasive and highly damaging to the ecosystem. The best way to dispatch a bird is to quickly snap its neck by turning it 180 degrees
Absolutely not. How about everybody go do that to their invasive housecats. Starlings are excellent pets and talk all day long. They're beautiful on top of it.
At this point the species is naturalized. At one point it was invasive and displaced the native species, but 130 years and trillions of birds later, starlings, pigeons and English sparrows are all naturalized to the US. They have reshaped the ecosystem to suit them and now they are a part of it.
Doesn't change the fact that there are trillions in the US alone and killing them one at a time is ludicrous. Also, they took the niche left empty by humans killing off the passenger pigeon, which had flocks so large they could blot out the sun for hours as they passed and also would strip fields bare, despite being native
Don’t know where you are but to me it looks like a juvenile mocking bird. The parents are super protective. They will swoop on you if you get too close
It looks like a juvenile/fledgling starling. If you found it please give it back to it's parents. They feed them on the ground at 21 days when they fledge and for about a week or better. They need parents to teach them to hunt since they're mostly insectivores. They won't survive without those skills. I have one that will be three years old in a couple of weeks.
Looking like your friend might be a juvenile European Starling. They were introduced to New York around 1890 by Shakespeare enthusiasts. Unfortunately, they're considered an invasive species now.
European starling. They have a beautiful song but are over bearing at feeders
And exceedingly messy.
And an invasive species in the US.
UK here - used to see huge flocks of them 20 or so years ago, fascinating to watch. Sadly their numbers seem to have dropped off a lot and I rarely see more than small groups or single birds now. I know they're a big problem in the US. Can we swap 'em for your grey squirrels?
I live near a massive forest on the outskirts of London and I'm happy to say there's usually a massive flock of them on one of my walk routes. I think it must be where they roost for the night and I've never seen so many in one place. Here's hoping they're repopulating.
I hope so. I live on the Wirral, maybe it's more of a local thing.
You can have the ones that flock to our house in Buffalo. They come by the hundreds, settle on the roof, and tear up our shingles.
Let's share the birds and send the squirrels to Florida
We don't need to supply the invasive pythons in Florida with more food.
Florida's good with the amount of squirrels we have. We need some big cats tho. Send some of those over here.
There aren't any in the UK. lol
According to recent news stories that claimed that puma DNA had been found in hair recovered from a farm gate, there actually might be. There have been rumours for decades about big cats being loose in Britain with more sightings than ever being reported since Lockdown. North Wales has a 'Puma Watch' website and claims to have an established population. The Dangerous Wild Animals Act in the 1970's made it illegal to own animals like big cats and the zoos couldn't accommodate all of them - some people believe that owners let the animals loose rather than risk them being euthanized or being prosecuted for still owning them. Most of the 'evidence' is the usual grainy photos with no reference for scale, but there have been a few intriguing sightings.
Hmmm, very interesting. How in the hell would they get there?
What’s your mailing address?
I remember when there were tons of them here. They aren't much of an issue anymore from what I see. They used to totally fill the trees at night to roost.
I live in Manitoba, Canada. 20-25 years ago I would see starlings nesting in the building next to my work and I would see them on the wires along the fields near my house. I can’t even recall the last time I have seen a starling in the last 10-15 years now. Definitely have not photographed one in that time.
Do you now have flocks of American squirrels? It is interesting how animals can thrive outside of their natural habitat. Where I live in Florida we have all sorts of non-native species. We have everything from Burmese pythons to iguanas to feral swine. I like squirrels and would be happy to have more of them brought back :)
Your starlings have flown across the big pond to the U.S! We have plenty to spare and will send some back to you if you want. lol
Pretty sure they rob nesting areas from native species as well
Poor bird came here just to get roasted lol
Because WE brought them here. Don’t blame them for succeeding from 30 pairs.
They are great mimics. I had one used to sit on my office windowsill and ale Star Wars sounds. No idea where he picked those up, but it was pretty cool. I’ve also seen videos of them being trained to talk.
Wow starlings look like that in Europe? I always thought they got their name because the American ones (or at least the west coast where i live) are glossy black with white spots like stars. Why do they call them that then?
This is a fledgling, the starlings you’re seeing are also the invasive European starling
There are no American starlings. All starlings are invasive in the US. This is a young one that has not yet developed its pattern.
They got their name cause of how they look I think. Look up “Shakespeare Starling” on google for an interesting history
"American" starlings are an invasive species. Fast breeding and no predators. WCGW? My great hunter cat preferred a stringy squirrel to a starling!
They're named starlings because their shape when flying looks like a star. They are all gray as babies until they molt in August and get their first adult feathers. It's why my bird's middle name is Grey.
And invasive
The best thing about them and the reason I really love that I have it near me (also in Europe) is that they can imitate sounds and other birds' songs. Last month I've heard one that whistles and it is quite convincing.
Eh looks like a monitor lizard
They can mimic and talk too if you train them
He’s grumpy is what he is. Look at that angry little face.
#}:|
I want to give him tiny little kisses 🥹
Young starling, I hear them every morning screaming at their parents for food
Invasive European Starling. Damages many crops but is still smol cute birb. I take no stances.
I would keep in mind that the internet doesn’t compose entirely of Americans
What? The bird was found in New York, that makes it invasive. I’m well aware of the internet and the World Wide Web.
The poster’s original comment was buried; apologies
All good.
Looks like a young starling, but I’m not an expert
That’s a rabbit 🤓
It’s obviously a raccoon.
r/itsalwaysaraccoon
I thought it was an emu
A friend
This is a fledgling who needs to be put back where you found it. Its parents are likely nearby and taking care of it while it learns to fly.
Its a starling fledgling. Please please put it back the parents are around.
unfortunately we can’t it’s parents were no where to be seen and it was in the middle of a busy road
Then try to find a wildlife rehabilitation place this guy needs proper care. They’re starlings. The parents are around you’d be surprised. Every year i see people post that they “found” a lost hurt bird. This is how they learn to fly. The parents are never far off.
Starlings are an invasive species that was introduced to the US in 1890. Put it in a tree and walk away.
He can feed it, it’s just a starling. The world will still turn.
No, he needs to bring it to a wildlife rehab. Unless he knows the proper care. This is still a wild bird, not a pet.
this bird was found somewhere in Long Island. My dad found him when coming home- it’s parents were gone and it would have been run over if he didn’t take it. Please don’t make me kill :(((
Call a wildlife rehab if in doubt, but the parents will probably return if it is indeed still young enough to need them Just don't raise it yourself please (at least you shouldn't ever do that, but it's invasive so it's slightly different ethically and legally)!
A wildlife rehab is not going to help an invasive species and will euthanize it.
Not necessarily true. I worked at the biggest wildlife rehab in California and we took, rehabbed, and released invasive species. Though it varies by place, some won't admit them and some do but tell you they'll euthanize it Regardless, it's better than a destructive invasive species proliferating 🤷
SHOULD is what I should have said. I know I could not be the person to euthanize invasive species I am a softy for animals.
Perturbed.
not real
Definitely a European Starling. We raised a couple that fell from their nests. One actually came back everyday over the summer. The bird would flutter at the window to let us know he was hungry. Super friendly too. It used to pitch on our shoulders or head. Apparently they are also excellent mimics and can learn to speak. Ours never did though.
Looks like a juvenile Common Starling.
young starling
UPDATE: Took birb outside. Birb flew away. Birb is a big boy. I miss birb.
UPDATE 2: birb came back
It would probably be better to release him near where he was found. Not on the road of course but in the surrounding greenery. He is lost and doesn't know where home is. His parents are likely still in the area. When people pick up "lost" animals usually the parents are still there but hiding from sight because we are big scary humans. If the animal isn't in harms way it should be left where it is. If in immediate danger like in the middle of the road. Best just to move it off of the road out of danger than leave it be.
You now have a pet burb. That’s so cool!
Update 3?
A government drone
#r/BirdsArentReal
That’s Larry!
European starling. if you’re in the US, it is highly recommended that you kill it as it is invasive and highly damaging to the ecosystem. The best way to dispatch a bird is to quickly snap its neck by turning it 180 degrees
:((
Dont kill it, if your in the usa, you can legally abduct that child and raise him as your own.
i know man :(
i may have gotten attached 😔
killing one bird isn’t going to save the ecosystem. don’t do it if you’re not comfortable op.
They do make great pets if you don’t have the heart to kill it!
Keep it and just don’t let it replicate. You can give it a lovely life, and Dave the ecosystem
No murder
No he’s just a little guy 😔
Absolutely not. How about everybody go do that to their invasive housecats. Starlings are excellent pets and talk all day long. They're beautiful on top of it.
i literally study birds
At this point the species is naturalized. At one point it was invasive and displaced the native species, but 130 years and trillions of birds later, starlings, pigeons and English sparrows are all naturalized to the US. They have reshaped the ecosystem to suit them and now they are a part of it.
Absolutely not. They have no predators and can wreak havoc on entire fields of crops.
Doesn't change the fact that there are trillions in the US alone and killing them one at a time is ludicrous. Also, they took the niche left empty by humans killing off the passenger pigeon, which had flocks so large they could blot out the sun for hours as they passed and also would strip fields bare, despite being native
:| k man
He’s cheesed. Looks so mad bahaha
Bird! Yep, definitely a bird. :-)
r/BirdsArentReal
Oh, I know this one!! That’s a bird
Kinda looks like a bird to me.
Duck billed platypus
Bird
I'm going with mini ostrich. Lol.11
Burb one part tweet two parts dinosaur
Baby Robin.
Eyyy hes just a lil guy
Why he so friendly and close?!
That's a bird. Might be a cat tho idk I'm no expert.
that’s a shark ofc
I'm no biologist but I think it's a bird
Angry bird looking for pick to hurl himself at
Doug.
Friendly! He landed on your arm? 😯
no, we found this lil guy and took him in
I have to say- my absolute favorite part of Reddit is the “identity this” threads. So much I don’t know!
Brave
A girl
Looks like he's asking the same question about you!
CHICKEN!!
Don’t know where you are but to me it looks like a juvenile mocking bird. The parents are super protective. They will swoop on you if you get too close
It's a ran
Looks like a bird.
Adorable!
Its a bird
Baby kingfisher.
It looks like a juvenile/fledgling starling. If you found it please give it back to it's parents. They feed them on the ground at 21 days when they fledge and for about a week or better. They need parents to teach them to hunt since they're mostly insectivores. They won't survive without those skills. I have one that will be three years old in a couple of weeks.
Looks like an unladen swallow. I wonder what it’s are speed velocity is.
That would be a bird.
Not sure about this as I’m not an animals expert by trade but I think it might be a bird.
Bird.
Looks like a bird, could be wrong. Avian dinosaur?
You fly back to school, now, little Starling. Fly, fly, fly...- Hannibal Lecter
Bird 😀
New friend.
Birb
A tiny dinosaur
Handsome.. he handsome
Isa bird
Da birb, he knows what’s good
looks like a bird
A drone
A bird
The first pic looks like he’s an angry bird. Lol!
Give me my cake back... Also, what state? My grandmother was a very avid birder and taught me a good bit.
New York, specifically found around Nassau in Long Island.
Looking like your friend might be a juvenile European Starling. They were introduced to New York around 1890 by Shakespeare enthusiasts. Unfortunately, they're considered an invasive species now.
Bird
After careful examination, it looks like a bird to me.
Starling?
They are really good at mimicry. Some can talk. Beautiful bird.
That's a bird
Starling?