Friday, May 3, 2013

STARling WARS

I hated to depart from my peace-loving, hippie-titled posts of this week, but these shots were just begging for it. The peanut bar is a coveted hangout for the starlings, so when I fill it, there's always a big brouhaha. I love that word. It's so fun to write and say.
Somehow the baby downy found the bar before the starlings.



OH NO YOU DON'T!


If I have to lose a toe to stand my ground, so be it!
Air battles are the best, but very difficult to photograph.


AND STAY OFF!

Peace at last because the peanut station is empty.

40 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Gail I love that top photo. I love all your photos they make me smile. Thank you. B

Anonymous said...

Great action shots. That first one is great. I think that's a juvenile.

Jori said...

National Geographic, come hire Gail!!!!!!! Fabulous shots, love the one of the incoming bird. It looks like an angry bird!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

OMG, that 3rd picture is FANTASTIC! LOL.

Hootin Anni said...

I can't think of anything 'new' to post in my comment ---as always your photos are breathtaking...amazing...super...extraordinary!! These just speak volumes. What great action shots. Can I say action 'figures'? Since it's STARling wars? Forgive me. LOL

hootnonny said...

LOL!

Deanna said...

Delightful!!

TexWisGirl said...

totally laughing at the end comment. :) that is some fierce fighting! sheesh!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh girly, These photos are amazing. I love the in flight shots. So cool.

Happy Friday.

Hugs~

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Your action shots are amazing. The detail in the spread wings and tails is stunning. I also love that last "peace" picture. The starling looks just a wee bit disgruntled.

renae said...

Oh Gail! My grandmother hated starlings. She was always plagued by them. My Mom would plant her garden and have to have a scarecrow in it to ward off the dear starlings. You are nice to them, looks like. I just think they are hi-metabolized creatures of habit. Your photos show off their colors, that I had never realized. thanks. oh ...and congrats on the shopping spree. Yay!

A Creative Grace said...

Oh wow, these are stunning Gail, I do so enjoy your photography, I especially love the second one and the last one, peace at last! Hope you have a lovely weekend :)

Ruth Hiebert said...

As much as I don't like Starlings,you have captured gorgeous pictures of them. I love all that action.

Kerry said...

Great shots Gail. Boy they sure emptied that feeder in no time flat.

I know a lot of people don't like starlings, and that they were introduced to this continent by Shakespeare enthusiasts who wanted every kind of bird he ever mentioned to live here. But they are amazing to watch when they're in big flocks, and they sing like crazy:)

Wally Jones said...

This is a really neat series, Gail!
Wonderful detail and terrific action!
You make the Starlings look good!

Friko said...

These photographs are absolutely magnificent.

I am always a bit worried about baby birds and whole peanuts. As birds don’t chew, babies might choke on a whole nut.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my those photos were awesome! amazing. sandie

Nancy said...

I know you had fun photographing all their antics.....they were really serious about those peanuts uh?
Gail as always your photographs are amazing....

the wild magnolia said...

Your photography skills are growing and growing. Your eyes for the shot is so good.

Gorgeous actions!

the wild magnolia said...

Your photography skills are growing and growing. Your eyes for the shot is so good.

Gorgeous actions!

Hilary said...

Excellent shots, Gail! The action and the humour you've captured is just so entertaining. He was biting his foot and you caught that... amazing! And that young downy is just adorable.

Barbara said...

These are AWESOME! I laughed and cried and winced and applauded. Epic battle scenes. :)

Brian King said...

Awesome photos! It's nice to see starlings fighting each other for a change. Love the baby woodpecker shot, too!

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful series, my favorite is of the first Downy! The Starlings are piggies! Happy Weekend!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

But I love peace-loving, hippie-titled posts :)

I love these shots! Starlings usually get a bad name but these are beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

These are awesome shots and I think you captured the air battle pretty well my friend...and yes...I know I updated my button LOL I have a thought...I should email you about it... anyway...lovely photos as always...Big hugs...and hey...the sun is out today though it is still only 54 outside...this weather is insane. xoxo

La Colline said...

This was so-o-o exciting! I actually got caught up in the action and the toe peck got an out-loud reaction (oh-no, not the toe!).

Excellent photography and spot-on dialogue with perfect rhythm; a peaceful start to a peaceful end.

Indrani said...

Wow! Great action shots!
Total drama there. Enjoyed seeing them. :)

Karen said...

What a sweet baby woodie. Marvellous captures Gail!

Rambling Woods said...

Great series...

Patrice said...

Wow!!! Love those shots of the fights...

Anonymous said...

These are great shots of the battle action! Those starlings can be a pain, but they're so photogenic!

Betty Manousos said...

oh my word!

what a spectacular!
love these shots!

enjoy your sunday!

Charlotte Wilson said...

Are those last photos, starlings? We just got rid of our a few months ago. they hung around forever in their large numbers, making horrible noises. Remniscent of Hitchcock's movie The Birds.
Gorgeous captures, Gail!

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful - the shots and the commentary!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Perfect post from the title on down! Not my fav bird, but your pictures make me smile!

Anonymous said...

Starling Wars...LOVE it!! Your captures are stunning!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

again, amazing photos...perfect! brouhaha IS such a fun word,I agree.

Cloudia said...

Wow super!


Aloha

Unknown said...

These shots are absolutely spectacular!