Hello,
We've recently set up some feeders which have been overwhelmingly popular with starlings. We're delighted to see how many have been visiting, obviously the parents but now we're getting a lot of the fledglings coming along too. To the point of which we had about 30+ in our garden this morning. Whilst incredible to see we're just a bit worried about them becoming dependant on us feeding them, should that many fledglings be coming too? Should we continue to put food out? We usually put mealworms out there times a day - morning, end of school and early evening. Any advice would be fantastic.
If you get smaller birds too, that you want to keep coming, you could us a Guardian Feeder (other suppliers are available) to prevent Starling access to the tubes. Dependancy isn't really a thing amongst such mobile animals as birds, they only come to you for an easy meal. If the supply dries up they will move on. Mealworms 3 times a day must cost you a fortune! Personally I would only feed once a day starling accessible food, but also have guarded sunflower hearts and a supply of fresh water, and that should encourage them to forage further and for more natural foods.
Just my twopenneth
Many thanks
I am against supplementary feeding in gardens, regardless of species..........however, if ever there was a case for it.....starlings most definitely need help in many parts of UK. The dry weather in this area means natural food supplies are largely inaccessible. If ground is like concrete there too, getting the young birds through their first week or so could be a big help.
I wouldn't worry too much about them becoming dependant on the feeders - we also have a large flock bring all their young to our garden for a period each breeding season like it's a creche, but then from autumn through to spring they disperse and we only get occasional visits from one or two, despite a couple of pairs roosting in the eaves each night.
Thank you so much for your replies, feeling a little more reassured that we're "helping" more so than hindering as the ground here (Oxfordshire) is solid, having had no rain for a long time (also putting out lots of saucers of water). Usually we do see plenty of blackbirds, wrens and sparrows rooting around our garden, it's semi-fallow, but this year we've had an influx of starlings and they're really quite enjoyable to watch! Thanks again :)
To highlight the state of the landscape.....a new garden tick this afternoon. A moorhen. Not really a surprise if it was Winter, even though we've never had one here. But this time of year? Sadly went under the hedge by the time I got to the camera.