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Saturday, December 14, 2013

Starling


He's been dining on my crab apples!
See the one in his mouth? And his tongue has a little
hook on it to help him swallow! Very cool!


33 comments:

  1. Super cool, I love those little V's on his body!

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    1. I know...I love those, too! Almost like little hearts. They are little pigs when they swoop in by flocks, but I love their feathers!

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  2. What a shot. And I agree his winter coat is quite studding and fashionable.

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    1. Isn't he cool looking? I've never seen their tongues before! I thought it was the stem or part of a blossom and then I thought, "Duh...it's frozen out there. There are no blossoms!" haha.

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  3. I'm amazed at the wonderful pictures you get.

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    1. I think it's the crab apple trees, actually. I have three of them in a row outside my kitchen windows and they really attract the birds!

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  4. Wow, great shot!

    Also enjoyed your photos from the concert. Must have been a special treat to get out and enjoy such a spectacular event.

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    1. It really was a treat! We went last year so I knew what to expect, which made the anticipation even more fun! ha.

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  5. That is pretty cool! Great shot! He does have a mouthful.

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  6. Looks proud of himself too
    As he chows down at your zoo

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  7. look amazing! haha! I told you the birds love the food of your lair:))

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  8. That, my dear lady is a stunning photograph! Incredible! What a magnificent bird and great capture of him feasting on those berries! I didn't even know they had tongues, much less ones with hooks! Seriously now I do believe you should contact some international bird organization and share your photos! You might be surprised to know how many professionals would be impressed with them!

    Now I must be retiring for the evening! I stayed up much too late last night waiting for your concert photos! Until tomorrow, then!

    Vincent. x

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    1. Thanks, Vince. :) I didn't know they had tongues either so that was a fun surprise when I saw the photo! And thanks for staying up for my posts! ha.

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  9. Starlings are so amazing aren't they, especially the way that they fly all together as one group. I love when they visit our bird feeders in the garden, they are such fun to watch. That is an amazing photo that you took. xx

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    1. I think they are! A lot of people don't like them because they swoop in and empty the feeders but mine don't seem to do that. They prefer the crab apples and don't touch the seed! I love their feathers!

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  10. ha. i hope he does not choke...
    what beautiful markings....

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    1. He really looks like he could! I thought the same thing today watching jays eat whole peanuts!

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  11. Fantastic beautiful photo. If the bird were human it's going to need the Heimlich maneuver. :)

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    1. haha...why yes, he would! Thanks Andy...that means a lot coming from you!

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  12. Oh I love the return of your winter birds! Thank you, dear Betsy, for feeding and photographing them!
    And have a wonderful Sunday with a huge amount of "Gemütlichkeit", as we say over here.
    Christel

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    1. Gemutlichkeit ~ a situation that induces a cheerful mood, peace of mind, with connotation of belonging and social acceptance, coziness and unhurry.

      Well, that is just perfect! :)

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  13. Aren't they a stunning bird?
    You captured this beautifully, Betsy....
    I got a few of them a couple of weeks ago...but my pictures are nothing compared to yours!
    Oh....thanks for stopping by for tea yesterday...
    I think the tea party went splendidly!
    Enjoy your evening...we are buried in snow here...how about you???
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Loved the tea! What a great idea! :)
      Yeah, we are buried! It's beautiful!

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  14. Those white marks on his breast are little heart shapes for sure. Starlings used to be really common in London. I'd see great clouds of them swooping over the school over the road from our house. Not any more. Haven't seen one for years.

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    1. Now that is interesting. I wonder why you don't have those big flocks any more. Maybe they're all ex-pats and are over here? haha.

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