Young starlings in Amberg: adventures in the garden and first attempts at flight!

Young starlings in Amberg: adventures in the garden and first attempts at flight!

There's really something going on in Manfred Seitz's garden in Amberg at the moment. His starlings are already raising their second brood there. The curious young birds are busy exploring their surroundings, while things are getting a bit cramped in the starling box. But don't worry, the hustle and bustle in the garden ensures that the little birds will soon be able to take to the skies safely - even if that can still be a bit of a challenge for some. Starlings are common in gardens at the moment, making summer even more lively.

If you delve a little deeper into the topic, it quickly becomes clear that the star is not only widespread in Amberg. It is found everywhere in Germany, but it has its preferences when it comes to its habitat. [avi-fauna.info]. Starlings are found in high densities, particularly in sparsely populated, agricultural landscapes and in large forest areas.

The star and its habitat

Did you know that starlings are rarely found at higher altitudes in the low mountain ranges and foothills of the Alps? They prefer to stay in regions where they feel comfortable. Their complex migratory behavior is also of interest: from June to July, young birds in particular move in intermediate migrations to avoid competition for food. This tour does not necessarily end at the starlings' winter quarters, which range from Germany to the Iberian Peninsula. Migration to wintering grounds begins in August and peaks in October.

The star has won a place in our hearts and was even named “Bird of the Year 2018,” as nabu.de notes. The starling's versatility is demonstrated not only in its impressive ability to mimic other birds and even ambient sounds such as cell phone ringtones, but also in its spectacular flock formations, which can occur with hundreds of thousands of individuals.

Threats and challenges

But despite his frequency, the star is not without worries. The population is declining, which is mainly due to shrinking habitats and the dwindling food supply - industrial agriculture is often the culprit here. Following this concern, the star has been upgraded to “vulnerable” on the Red List. But there are also bright spots: Despite the extreme drought, there was a bountiful harvest in Rheinhessen last year, which brought advantages for the starlings.

Overall, the starling is a fascinating bird that plays an important role not only in Amberg, but also throughout Germany. So next time you see a starling in your garden, remember how important their habitat is to their survival!