Rosy Starling !!!

At present there's been a big irruption of Rose-coloured Starlings into Europe and the UK. 100's have been found right across the continent and at least 50+ different individual birds found across the UK. Rose-coloured Starlings are found on the steppe plains and semi-arid desserts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, wintering in India and Sri-Lanka. Every few years populations irrupt out of Asia during food storages and many hundreds of birds migrate into west Europe searching for areas to spend the summer months. In the autumn juvenile Rosy Starlings get blown off course following east winds and some turn up as far as the headlands of Ireland and even Western Scotland!

These stunning birds can turn up anywhere during summer months occasionally found in coastal gardens feasting on suet fatballs from garden feeders. They also are very keen feeders of cherries and always worth checking ornamental and native cherry trees. The Starlings immaculate pink plumage, spiky punk crest and iridescent purple and black plumage maked these birds really striking and stick out like a sore thumb in amongst common Starling flocks in which they associate occasionally.

Earlier today I had point blank views of this stunning male Rosy Starling in a garden in Dorset. Over the next few weeks It is well keeping an eye out in your garden or local park for a "pink" Starling and report it in to your local birding group or county recorder. Easterly winds forecasted for the next week or so will see many more of these superb iridescent and pink funky birds turning up right on your doorstep! Bird feeders topped up and check your local Starling flocks. Happy Birding !