#starlings redwinged blackbirds and grackles

[horsebeast]

peace on earth

[ostdrossel]

Despite the snow today,

spring is definitely coming, and there are signs everywhere. One of them is that the Starlings are beginning to change into their summer plumage. They are losing the spots and become glossy and iridiscent, the beaks are turning yellow, and the legs are becoming more red. They are travelling in groups with Grackles, Cowbirds and Redwinged Blackbirds, one of which also visited today. It appears to be an immature male.

[ostdrossel]

The shiny guys to end the week. Who’s your favourite?

[ostdrossel]

Fall migration

is still going on, which also means that all of a sudden, large flocks of birds can descend onto yards and feeders and make quick process with the goodies. It’s often groups of Redwinged Blackbirds, Grackles and Starlings that travel together. I have not had large flocks so far, but there was the occasional single Redwinged Blackbird still this week, and some Starlings. Their winter plumage has the tiny heart shapes, their beaks turn dark again from yellow, and the legs are not as vibrant as in the summer. When the sun hits them right, they reveal their pretty colors, the “evil rainbow” as I call it.

If you get overwhelmed by Starlings and their big appetite for mealworms or suet, you can try feeders that restrict access for them. I use a caged feeder for the mealworms and the suet sandwich feeder. The upside down feeder for suet is not effective in my experience, they will figure it out.

[ostdrossel]

Happy thrush season! The last couple of days, the air has sounded a lot like spring, with Robins, Grackles, Redwinged Blackbirds and Starlings calling and coming to feeders, Bluebirds visiting again and temperatures in the 20’s (Celsius). I spotted a couple of White-crowned Sparrows, and some White-throated Sparrows too. And then this cutie. I believe it is a Hermit Thrush, at one point you can see a little red on the tail. It stayed by the water for about 20 minutes and looked pretty alert. I hope it comes back tomorrow. ⁠ Come good into Wednesday!⁠

[ostdrossel]

The Redwinged Blackbirds, Grackles and Brownheaded Cowbirds are starting to flock, and the Starlings are coming back. The youngsters with the adult feathers coming in look especially interesting.

[ostdrossel]

The Redwinged Blackbirds are coming in waves now, flocking together with Cowbirds, Starlings and Grackles. They will soon migrate south and I will miss them.