Haven't had to battle them at all this year. Caught only 2 at my NB trap in town. I know many roost outside in huge flocks iwth robins and other blackbrids. I wonder if the really cold winter weather knocked them back?
On the fllip side, sparrows are worse than ever. They roost inside and would't be as likely to freeze.
Anyone else noticed starling numbers down??
starling numbers down in MO?
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
Yes, but I wasn't sure if it's because my neighbors and I have killed over 200 in this 3 mile radius or their numbers are just down. My neighbors love to shoot - they're older men who used to hunt a lot, but can't get out into the woods anymore. They were thrilled to learn they can shoot at the nuisance starlings in their yards.
I smile everytime I hear one of their shotguns go off.
HOSP haven't been bad here this year, although 1 male did show up this morning. He has a date with Ms. RWS850 in the morning.
I smile everytime I hear one of their shotguns go off.
HOSP haven't been bad here this year, although 1 male did show up this morning. He has a date with Ms. RWS850 in the morning.
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
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Donnie Hurdt MN
- Posts: 1723
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:14 pm
- Location: North Prairie, MN
Not much starling action around here either. There were a few around for a while, got three of them in the trap and shot a couple of others. Havent seen one in days now. In fact, tomorrow I am going over to the neighbors turkey barn to take away the Troyer V trap that I set up there back in feb. It hasent carght a single starling so far this spring.
PMCA member and Martin fanatic....
2011 A pair of subbies fledged three young but none returned in 2012
2015 One Pair of subbies came and stayed a few nits but got chased away by Bluebirds and Tree swallows.
2017 0ne pair of subbies nested and fledged 4 young
2018 Tree Swallows AGAIN chased away any martins that wanted to nest
2019 Same old story................
2011 A pair of subbies fledged three young but none returned in 2012
2015 One Pair of subbies came and stayed a few nits but got chased away by Bluebirds and Tree swallows.
2017 0ne pair of subbies nested and fledged 4 young
2018 Tree Swallows AGAIN chased away any martins that wanted to nest
2019 Same old story................
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electraglideman
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2003 6:45 pm
- Location: Arkadelphia, AR
Have you also noticed how fat and healthy the Hawks are this year. They love Starlings. They are much easier to catch than Martins.
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Jeff Robinson
- Posts: 908
- Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 3:32 pm
- Location: Rogersville, Missouri
- Martin Colony History: 2008 - Current
72 Cavities - 70 Pairs in 2021
PM Mentor
Same here, not as many starlings - of course, I have em spooked pretty good since taking care of over 100 ever since winter of 2008. However, I still get the occasional one stop off at the colony site and the martins are chasing them off.
I've watched a pair of starlings either building a nest or bringing food into a nest in a rotted out hole in the top of an old walnut tree about 75 yards downhill from me, so this evening I waited until both starlings were in the hole, aimed a little high with the .22, and one of them is in that hole permanantly.....the other flew off and I didn't see it come back. Another RATbird down!
I've watched a pair of starlings either building a nest or bringing food into a nest in a rotted out hole in the top of an old walnut tree about 75 yards downhill from me, so this evening I waited until both starlings were in the hole, aimed a little high with the .22, and one of them is in that hole permanantly.....the other flew off and I didn't see it come back. Another RATbird down!
PMCA Member - Bedrock Colony
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tonyg
- Posts: 1520
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
- Location: Olpe, KS
- Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..
Shot 2 on the ground today with one shot..of course it was a 20 ga...but does it really matter...THEY WERE STARLINGS!!!!!! Loved it...
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Guest
I have seen flocks out here in Vernon Co. Got a pesky one that likes to sit on the Martin perch and squak. He can squeeze into a SREH and I cannot get close enough fot the pellet gun. Got one Martin, early for this time of yr. He brings a gal by daily, but they don't stay long. Bachelor for about two weeks now. HOSP are easier to take care of with only one Martin. They are jumping into my live trap. And like a conveyor belt another one is there to take it's place that afternoon. The Martin is good at defending his openings. I just wish he had some help with the Startling and HOSP. (other than me)
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Craig Haddox
- Posts: 444
- Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:13 pm
- Location: Missouri Washington
There is no shortage of starlings here in Washington Missouri. I have been trapping at least 2 a day or more for week's. If not for SREH entrances my colony wouldn't exist.