I kind of like starlings. A lot of birders resent these “invasive” birds from other continents (brought to North American through no fault of their own). Pretty sure I’ve mentioned before how attractive I think they are—all speckles and sheen.
Oh, sure, their combined voices (since they move about in flocks, mostly) can be loud and raucous and annoying, but they’re also amazing mimics. I’ve heard them do sirens, machinery—even a perfect chainsaw.
There’ve been a bunch of starlings around lately: a flock of hundreds a few days ago, a good-sized gaggle in the foothills today, and a small bunch on a tree out front of my house.
Otherwise, quite a few birds (but not too many great bird photos). Mule deer (but no elk). And a lovely brisk hike with dog.
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 10:15 a.m., I hiked a few hundred feet up the mountain.
1. House Finch**
2. Pine Siskin
3. Black-capped Chickadee**
4. Black-billed Magpie*
5. Northern Flicker (v)
6. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay**
7. Song Sparrow** (v)
8. Downy Woodpecker (v)
9. European Starling*
10. American Robin*
Elsewhere
11. Lesser Goldfinch (v)
12. Eurasian Collared Dove
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American robin, black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, downy woodpecker, Eurasian collared dove, European starling, house finch, lesser goldfinch, northern flicker, pine siskin, song sparrow, Woodhouse’s scrub jay
