Starlings in Kelly's Swamp

[Philip Veerman <>]

Yes roosting in reeds is normal for the species. The abundance of the species locally is hugely diminished from what it was a few decades ago. This site appears to be one of the few where there are still large flocks. Though even flocks of a few hundred are relatively small.

 

Philip

 

From: Baird, Ian [
Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2016 10:32 AM
To: Rob Geraghty; Canberrabirds Chatline
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Starlings in Kelly's Swamp

 

I’ve seen reports and video of Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) roosting in their millions at wetland  sites in the UK.

Ian Baird

 

 

From: Rob Geraghty [
Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2016 8:32 AM
To: Canberrabirds Chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] Starlings in Kelly's Swamp

 

I went for a walk around Kelly's swamp at sunset yesterday and was astonished to see starlings gathering in the reed bed in front of the Cygnus hide. When I arrived, a large number were already present and as I watched, groups of around 50 birds flew in to land. There must have been 300+ birds. I've seen large gatherings of Starlings in the trees around the sewerage works, but not in Kelly's swamp before. The weight of the birds seems to be flattening the reeds. It seems like a very odd place for such birds to gather and roost?

 

======= Rob Geraghty