Mysterious (?) Swirling Starling Formations

There was an interesting story on CBS (TV) News tonight. In San Rafael, California, birdwatchers congregate to watch "European starling" formations! They swirl around like little tornadoes, or natural fireworks. What I would like to know is, is this a common phenomenon?

Years ago we used to shoot pest birds like these with airguns, at a place which now houses a gas station and mini-mall. I knew that the starlings liked to swarm around, but didn't realize you could actually make a hobby of watching them. It is pretty cool -- the starling is one of our more ubiquitous and (seemingly) untidy bird imports. Indeed, a local gardener I know, actually spends time removing birds like these (and their nests) from bluebird boxes. But it's quite a marvel how a somewhat ugly (although vaguely iridescent) bird can inspire such a crowd reaction.

To be fair, though, the European starling is a quite remarkable bird. And being related to the Mynah, a veritable master of mimickry. When I attended NIU and stayed in one of the skyscraper-like dorm towers, starlings often liked to sing from underneath those. The acoustics were excellent. And I still get a kick out of hearing the birds that they imitate (or other sounds). You have to wonder -- where did they encounter those other "influences"?

And if you believe in synchronicity, also consider that San Rafael is (or was) the headquarters for Beeman's Precision Airguns -- one of which I own. So maybe, just maybe this time, leave the airgun at home and just marvel at the wonders of this somewhat-despised bird. Proving once again that even our most downtrodden creatures, have a wonderful place in God's natural plan! I'd sure rather hear a starling imitating a quail, than the persistent "chop chop" of house sparrows on my air conditioner! Enjoy the birds and be sure to provide them plenty of seed and (element-heated) water, this winter. You never know when they might shine through the cold to brighten your day!!

Comments: 10

Misty D. Jan 14, 2007, 11:50pm EST

European starlings are highly intelligent birds, but are wrecking havoc on the local eastern bluebird population. I haven't seen a bluebird around this region in over 4 years. Starlings are everywhere you look!

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Ron Hall Jan 15, 2007, 3:47pm EST

I have no problem with "trash birds" crows, magpies, starlings. If success makes us trash, oh how sad that is for humanity.

I've featured this in the Nonconformists group.

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Visionaerie B. Jan 15, 2007, 8:20pm EST

Yes, we just had some crafty crows "poach" some hush puppies right out of our yard! Jovie makes a good point -- it's frustrating when you want a certain (blue) bird to move in, and Mr. Sturnus decides it's time for him to "rent"! Just as house sparrows have taken over almost every bird house we've posted. But God makes these critters for a reason -- garbage collection, besides other things. We just need to be a bit more careful and discerning about what we import (bird or otherwise), and think about the consequences. Although sometimes, as in the case of the "swirling starlings," it's a nice (unintended) surprise! Thanks for all your great comments.

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Visionaerie B. Jan 15, 2007, 8:31pm EST

Another interesting phenomenon is when birds of different species flock / migrate together. I've seen this in the fall, when robins and cedar waxwings congregate in huge flocks in the trees. They probably have a symbiotic relationship that enables them to find the best sources of berries! I guess they could teach us a thing or two about how to live together in harmony -- just as Dr. King did!!

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George McNaughton Jan 16, 2007, 5:59pm EST

Yeah, we used to shoot starlings in the orchards. It was hard to kill them with an airgun, what you had to do was wait until their babies had feathers but could not quite fly. You knocked one down on the ground and let it call, the parents would dive bomb you so they got up quite close and you could shoot em in the eye. And then you went home to your mother and explained what you had been doing all day and she said, "oh what a good boy you are." And now when the boys do something like that and she asks, the response is considerably louder, not quite pleasant and is followed up with a lot of after school floor washing. Oh well, some things change over time.

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Visionaerie B. Jan 16, 2007, 9:18pm EST

Wow -- orchards would be ideal for that! We did shoot a bit at our friend Tom's apple orchard, plus we had two prime shooting areas closer to home. But it seemed like the only birds that really ganged up on us were, well, a certain orange-breasted bird(!) I always tell our millionaire friend that he should create some kind of shooting park for kids. Some of our greatest times were indeed spent shooting and enjoying nature together. And that's something vital that we should never lose. Thanks for your comments!

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George McNaughton Jan 18, 2007, 10:48pm EST

Yeah, but most of us grew up and kind of realized that shooting wild birds we did not intend to eat was kind of rude. But, yeah I did spend a lot of time doing it as a kid.

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Visionaerie B. Jan 19, 2007, 12:10am EST

Yes, that's a good point. But we actually had a use for the house sparrows and starlings we shot -- my oldest brother had a pet snake, which managed to live to a record-breaking thirty years! I think it ended up in a museum out west. I certainly agree that you should make full use of your game animals -- as the Native Americans always did. Our pest-bird shooting also helped the more desirable birds by reducing competition. But the pesky ones have such robust populations and reproduction, that's still most of what we get at our feeders today! Thanks for your comments.

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Mysterious (?) Swirling Starling Formations

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