I have the definitive word, this is a Juvenile European Starling.I can't believe how different they are from the adults.
I needed help identifying it, so I posted it to Facebook...
Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy commented & wrote: "Yes! Seeing the pale throat is helpful - it corresponds to the juvenile Starling in my Sibley field guide. You know, Starlings are an introduced species to North America - during the 1800s, someone decided it was a good idea to import every bird mentioned in the works of Shakespeare to New York! Starlings are very adaptable and comfortable living in our towns and cities, so their populations exploded. They may be considered "junk" birds by serious birders, but I can't help finding them amusing to watch and listen to."
Of course, I cannot find any photos of my own, of European Starlings, und zo, here are some lovely grackles for fun!
I have been watching bird activity around here--seems like more than usual. Maybe word has gotten out about our feeder>
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a bird watcher, I know the usual finches, mourning doves, cardinals, blue jays, that may be about it. Oh and robins of course!
ReplyDeleteWe only see grackles and their ilk going though in late August and early September. Then they are in huge flocks.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great help to have someone who can help identify the birds...I am so clueless!
ReplyDeleteThe grackles are much prettier than their name implies, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in Russia, my husband took a photo of a bird we couldn't identify, but a fellow blogger identified it as a starling in non-breeding plumage. The thing I like best about starlings is the way they walk around like pompous little old men, instead of hopping like robins.
K