Hobbies and Crafts

does it say if it was when they were roosting? Great numbers roost somewhere in Somerset. I wonder if they were following each other and went down instead of up. Very strange though, poor things.

Hi Ann

That's all the article says. It is on msn.
I hope we get to hear an explanation.

That's sad, particularly since I understand starling numbers are down anyway. I can't say I've seen many about and they used to be so common when I was younger. My aunt wouldn't put anything out for the birds if there were too many starlings about as she said they bullied the others. Strange how situations change.

Dizzie, my Mum hated them, used to chase them off the bird table for the same reason. There wasn't anything on our news which covers Somerset, or in the local paper.

Can only find this, the basic story.

The deaths of 75 starlings which appeared to fall from the sky and crash land on to a driveway in Somerset has mystified the RSPCA animal charity.

The birds were spotted falling onto the entrance of a house in Coxley in Somerset on Sunday 7 March.

Animal welfare officer Alison Sparkes, who was called by police, said: "It was a remarkable sight, I've never seen anything like it."

There is no evidence the birds were ill or poisoned before they hit the ground.

Predator theory

Ms Sparkes said: "Onlookers said they heard a whooshing sound and then the birds just hit the ground.

"They had fallen on to the ground in quite a small area, about 12ft (3.6m) in diameter.

"They appeared to be in good condition other than injuries that they appear to have suffered when they hit they ground.

"Our best guess is that this happened because the starlings were trying to escape a predator such as a sparrow hawk and ended up crash landing."

She said that the birds had suffered broken beaks, broken legs and wings and abdominal injuries.

Five of the birds survived the fall but had to be put down because of their severe injuries.

Poor Birds ...and poor people whose driveway they landed on.What a shock!!.
I am starting to cut down the amount of food I am putting out now.I also need to stop hanging the coconut shells on my whirley washing line as I need to start hanging washing out lol,and I don't want bird poo on my washing.I have noticed over the last week that the seed I put out seems to be snaffled up by the big birds,like the magpies and pidgeons,also crows seem to be coming and `i really don't want them.I think I will just keep food at the bottom of the garden now.Also my dog Chester has started to eat the `moorhens poo!!!!

Morning all:o)
Hello Island:o)

That is so sad, we did'nt have anything on our news either, and yes what a shcok for the poeple who lived there!!

We have a crow who eats the seed off the lawn now, he's got quite cheeky, but l don't mind him at the moment.

We were watching a blackbird bathing the other day, he was having a lovely time:o)

Madoc is still ok at the moment, but l will definately get some antistatic stuff, we'll go down tomorrow. l have washed all his bedding now. Still won't get on the bed though:o((

Vics off out to do some more creosoting in the back garden, long old job!! He bought some paint that came with a free sprayer....the sprayer is useless!!

Have a nice day:o)
jude

Hi all

This starling story (I read it on msn yesterday) is quite bizarre - as they landed in such a small area (12') they can't have fallen from very high. Any physics geeks here? How on earth were 75 seen to drop in without anyone noticing where from? Just goes to show how many folk walk round looking at the ground! Birders look up. :- )

More photo's on blog:o)

jude

I went for coffee to a friends house this morning and her garden was full of birds.it was so busy.The best bit was to see 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers each feeding from 2 hanging peanut feeders.On the fence between them was a squirrel.I had taken my camera with me to take a pic of her puppy,and where was it when I wanted it .....in the B***** car.Needless to say the woodpeckers had gone by the time I got it.My friend said that is the first time she had seen 2 like that together..Trust me to miss a snap lol

Jane....l shall say nuffin..lol

jude

I was so cross with myself Jude.It would have been a brilliant photo for the blog.Just had a look at the new pics on there.Lovely photos.Which one is you?In the blue?

Yep...lol

Never mind...next time:o)

jude

We have been getting very few birds this last week. Cant blame it on the stray cat, she's been around for weeks and has made no attempt to touch them. Cant understand it, because we were having to feed three times a day at one point.

I discovered a rather large bird eating the seed from the ground feeders table this morning. It was cat shaped and called Buster. Why can't I have normal pets? He also likes flowers - his favourites are tulips and roses and he goes crazy over cucumber.

Funny thing was he was one side and a couple of ducks were the other side sharing with him. Again no flippin' camera as I was whizzing out before I went to work.

Crows have suddenly appeared in my garden just after I put the seed out.I don't want to feed them as they chase all the small birds away.I think I will just have to lay of the seed and stick to the fat balls and the coconut shells.

Not many in our garden either Jean, I guess theya re busy doing other things!!!!

Hi Everyone
I live next to a school which has a huge tree in it's grounds. Some of the branches hang over my garden but it provides a good backdrop to the garden.
This morning the crows decided to hold their convention there. A quick countup revealed 15 or so.
They didn't all stay for long but a few are still about and are quite vocal.
Take care
Von

I am feeling very guilty this morning,as I have finally decided not to put seed on the little table on the patio,but to just put it away from the house.The Robins and the Moorhen are looking very downcast lol.

I was out with the dog just now and in the field down the lane I saw 14 Magpies all together!!!