While it is easy to trap starlings when they are flocking it isn’t all that easy when the birds are nesting. What is needed is someone with a shotgun. Many years ago a former work colleague, and keen shooter, decided to see what could be done about starlings taking over an area for nesting in what is now some of the new northern suburbs in Gungahlin – in those days it was Wells Station. For several weeks he shot every starling that came to nest holes on a fairly large plot that he had selected. I’m not sure how many he culled (it was in the hundreds) but it took many years for the site to be recolonised by starlings. Obviously it would take a person licensed by both the local government and Police to undertake this.
I am sure we have all seen tree hollows used by native species taken over by mynas (which are just a big starling), starlings, feral bees etc. With older trees with hollows fast disappearing as the newer suburbs are built, then something drastic needs to be done to save those remaining for use by native species. If it means shooting then so be it! No doubt not everyone will agree with what I have stated but if you don’t agree, please come up with another solution, don’t just dismiss it out of hand!
Mark
From: Peter Ormay [
Sent: Saturday, 12 October 2013 5:24 PM
To: 'Robin Eckermann';
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Prime nesting site taken over
We need an Indian myna trapper in the area. They also trap starlings.
Peter
Regular visitors to Campbell Park (CP) will probably recognise this hollow. For several years its been a nesting spot for Owlet Nightjars ... unfortunately Starlings have now taken over the spot.
I spotted 3 starling nests in the near vicinity - more than I've seen in other years. White-winged Trillers were also abundant this morning.
Robin Eckermann
