The Starling was introduced at New York in 1890 and spread rapidly, reaching Ontario at Niagara Falls in 1914 and Brockville in 1919. The first was seen in Toronto on March 24, 1925 and 5,000 were seen at a Lawrence Park roost on Sept. 3, 1929. (Birds of Ontario)
Starlings have a breeding plumage which shows a yellow bill:
and a winter plumage which does not show a yellow bill and gives the impression of stars in a night sky. Hence the name: starling.
About three dozen starlings were at the feeders when I arrived this morning at Wilket Creek Park.
Other birds:
Park views:
Some botany:
Today’s group:
MAILBOX
Here are some pictures from today’s walk. I visited The Shops On Don Mills today and the New Balance store had ICEtrekkers on sale for $9.99 (until the store gets rid of all of them I was told). They’re mostly rubber with some metal spikes so I don’t know how durable they are but for that price if they last the season I’ll be happy. Perhaps some other participants may be interested.
NATURE POETRY
From off your face, into the winds of winter,
The sun-brown and the summer-gold are blowing;
But they shall gleam with spiritual glinter,
When paler beauty on your brows falls snowing,
And through those snows my looks shall be soft-going. – Wilfred Owen
Miles Hearn
Hi, Miles. Thanks as always for the interesting info. I always assumed Starlings’ arrival in Toronto predated my mother’s; now I know that was wrong. (She was born in the Annex in 1917.) Your dates give me insight into why she often scolded them as “dirty old Starlings.” She would have watched them become a prominent avian feature in our parks and gardens.
Leigh
The colour of their bill changes?!? Or is it that it is covered somehow ? Examining the pictures closely, It appears that the plumage no longer allows the colour to be visible (in winter). Amazing. I guess I’ll look it up…
The colour of their bill actually changes to black! Will Nature’s wonders ever cease?
Thanks for this remarkable information (and pictures!) Miles!