Thursday, May 08, 2008

SkyWatch Friday, Cloudless Skies & Starling



A Starling silhouetted against a cloudless sky clutches a bug tightly moments before plunging down the chimney to feed its brood.

I noticed this feeding occurring while I was shooting the carpenter bee featured in my previous post. Every few minutes one would land on the chimney edge, survey its surroundings before hopping into the chimney opening. By the time this bird was leaving another was sitting on the rim awaiting its turn.

I shot a number of photographs of these birds and found it quite interesting that they all appeared to be carrying the same type of insect. From the photographs I have not been able to identify the insect but apparently on this day they ranked high upon the list of the Starling’s favorite foods.

25 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Busy bees, busy birds. You get some amazing photos.

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Lovely, Salty! I always enjoy your nature shots! I've joined Sky Watch Friday this time around, but if you look at my prior two blog posts, I've photographed the herring run in Brewster, including a gull gulping down a herring! =)

Anonymous said...

Nice Catch... for you and the bird.
Also the bee pictures is awesome

Anonymous said...

In a place where it's always cloudy, seeing spotless skies is so wonderful.

My SWF is now posted, too! You can check it out here:

Jenn Was Here

Please drop by when you have the time. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Very nice capture!

Carletta said...

Nice capture with the bug in it's mouth!
Glad Skywatch brought me here. I have enjoyed all your previous photos as well.

Anonymous said...

beautiful shot

Mine in here Thanks

Juliana RW said...

nice sky and nice bird :D

Will you visit mine Thanks

Dottie said...

I love birds and this is a great shot of one! Have a good weekend.

FO - 2 said...

Beautiful Sky Watch.
Nice silhouette.
It`s having a proper meal. ;)

Ida

imac said...

Well caught Salty,

Pop over and see Belvoir Castle Gardens skies.

Pretty Life Online said...

great entry for SWF! Happy weekend! Hope you'll visit my SWF entry too...

Anonymous said...

eeing spotless skies is so wonderful, isn´t it?
Great photos you have here.

Tom said...

Well spotted with the insects.. some birds will just seem to know what bugs are going to be about for when their young hatch.. one of natures marvals I suppose.
Great capture..
One more thing about this picture as well Salty.. the chimney.. I hate the 'new builds' I do not like houses with out chimney stacks.. they just don't look right.

Lara said...

amazing! a great photo for the skywatch!

Livio Bonino said...

Gosh! Only beautiful photos on your blog.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Wonderul story and photo of the bird agaist the sky.

Stacey Olson said...

Wonderful photo as usual Salty. very informative post as well.. thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

Anne-Berit said...

That`s a great capture!

Unknown said...

Nice Catch Salty!

photowannabe said...

A few starlings have been flitting around our back yard. I haven't figured out where their nest is yet. Great shot. Perhaps its a grasshopper. It seems to have wings.

Daniel J Santos said...

great image, well done.

Anonymous said...

Gosh I hope it isn't the dreaded Japanese Beetle. Those are about due to emerge from the ground here where I live. That will be another nightmare to contend with.

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hi! Although Starlings are not my favorite bird, you have captured him/her very well. Nice pic. Lisa

Lilli & Nevada said...

What a great capture, very nice