[Mark Newsome]

At least 15 Rose-coloured Starlings have been reported around the country since the start of June, so all indications are that we're in for a good early summer period. Still plenty of time for more arrivals.

But has anyone heard anything from the eastern Med/elsewhere in Europe? Has there been a larger than average build-up in numbers at sites where they are more regular - eg Turkey, Greece. Are there decent numbers on the near continent, just waiting to come across the North Sea?

Keep checking those local suburban Starling flocks!

Mark

[ed keeble]

Originally Posted by Mark Newsome

But has anyone heard anything from the eastern Med/elsewhere in Europe? Has there been a larger than average build-up in numbers at sites where they are more regular - eg Turkey, Greece. Are there decent numbers on the near continent, just waiting to come across the North Sea?

Keep checking those local suburban Starling flocks!

Mark

there was an influx into Hungary week 4 of May

[Alex_HJ]

There's a cracking adult at Rhos on Sea, North Wales at the moment! Well worth seeing. More details, information and images on here: http://birdingnorthwales.blogspot.co...os-on-sea.html


Cheers, Alex

[wolfbirder]

That Welsh adult bird is stunning. Having only ever seen a single grotty juvenile I am quite gutted not to have been able to go for this yet.

Strange there has been a mini influx.

Hope it lingers but unlikely!

[cajanuma]

Originally Posted by Mark Newsome

A

But has anyone heard anything from the eastern Med/elsewhere in Europe?

There was a pretty good influx into Italy at the very end of May. As usual, most birds were in the north-east, and records were highly concentrated in a narrow window of a very few days around May 29-June 1. A few stragglers are still being seen.

[PhilW]

Nick.

The Welsh bird is really stunning and very confiding. Its worth trying to get there if you can.

Its amazing N Wales have had 7 -8 over the last few years along the same area of coast yet in Cheshire we've not had one twitchable one. One day........

Mark - it might be coincidence but it seems the adults I've seen are always on their own (and on feeders!) and juveniles quite often with a flock of Common Starlings. Anyone else noticed this?

[jogresh]

I wouldn't be surprised if that extensive high pressure system last month has a lot to do with it, as it stretched all the way into central Asia, and would also explain the good numbers of Red Footed Falcons in W Europe too. In fact it could have helped the Great Knot on its way for part of its journey.
Cracking bird hope it lingers.

Originally Posted by wolfbirder

That Welsh adult bird is stunning. Having only ever seen a single grotty juvenile I am quite gutted not to have been able to go for this yet.

Strange there has been a mini influx.

Hope it lingers but unlikely!

[wolfbirder]

Originally Posted by PhilW

Nick.

The Welsh bird is really stunning and very confiding. Its worth trying to get there if you can.

Its amazing N Wales have had 7 -8 over the last few years along the same area of coast yet in Cheshire we've not had one twitchable one. One day........

Mark - it might be coincidence but it seems the adults I've seen are always on their own (and on feeders!) and juveniles quite often with a flock of Common Starlings. Anyone else noticed this?

Managed to get there yesterday Phil..........stunning bird!

Yes i know what you mean about the habits - altho it favoured the same areas and rooftops, it never flew with the other Starlings.

This was a beauty, not just the obvious black and pink plumage but the crest on the nape, a feature i had not previously noticed. In my travels in europe this species has always eluded me, so I really enjoyed seeing this fantastic bird.

[Alex_HJ]

It's funny as its the second record these gardens have had a adult RCS! There was another super adult 7 years ago exact same place! Still present today but seems a lot more elusive than previous days.

[Daniel Martin]

Poss 3 adults reported together this morning in Norfolk, although no sign lunch time.

[Rob Smallwood]

Rhos bird missing..

[Jane Turner]

Its due in my garden

[Dog]

Originally Posted by Daniel Martin

Poss 3 adults reported together this morning in Norfolk, although no sign lunch time.

Young Magpies?

Mike.

[David Norgate]

Originally Posted by Dog

Young Magpies?

Mike.

Possible, but it wouldn't be the first time three adult Rose-coloured Starlings together in Norfolk. A few years ago there were 3 at Sheringingham, unfortunately in an area deemed not suitable for the release of news (but there were some great photos, although not of all three together)

[Cheshire Birder]

Originally Posted by Jane Turner

Its due in my garden

As long as it stays a few days.

CB

[Xenospiza]

Originally Posted by Mark Newsome

Are there decent numbers on the near continent, just waiting to come across the North Sea?

I am afraid not!
Five in the Netherlands this year, but none in June, one in Belgium (pretty much on the Dutch border) yesterday, none in Germany.
However, Austria had a group of ten in early June: http://www.club300.at/watchings?filt...ilter2=**ALL**

[Steve1Saunders]

I had on on Korcula, Croatia in early May so presumably that ties up with what's now going in further west

[MJB]

Originally Posted by Xenospiza

However, Austria had a group of ten in early June: http://www.club300.at/watchings?filt...ilter2=**ALL**

I arrived in Burgenland on the date of the observation there, but the birds had gone by the next morning...
MJB

[Xenospiza]

My summary was redundant as I typed it, because today it became known that there was one in the Netherlands yesterday.

[Alex_HJ]

Just had a report through that at the same time of an adult in Rhos-on-sea last weekend there was also another adult in Pensarn (near abergele) and this week there's another (different looking) adult on anglesey near Valley. So that's 3 in North Wales alone in a space of a week! Not bad!