hello tweets.

starlings are non-native pest species, however, starlings also
make superb pets. not only are they brilliant imitators and
mimics, but they also are very adaptable and personable birds.
because they are not native to our continent, they also are not
protected by any migratory/native bird laws, either.

if someone wants to take in some baby starlings as handfeed them,
well, i think that is the individual's choice. hopefully, that
person will choose to keep those birds as pets, but even if those
birds are released, i can't see what difference that would make,
given the fact that we already have bazillions of starlings in
our fair city!

by the way, if this listmember (whose email address and name has
somehow eluded me) needs starling feeding suggestions, feel free
to let me know.

regards,

Deborah Wisti-Peterson email:nyneve at u.washington.edu
Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash, USA
Visit me on the web: http://students.washington.edu/~nyneve/
<><><>Graduate School: it's not just a job, it's an indenture!<><><>


On Wed, 17 May 2000, A. Renkert wrote:

>
> If you put the chicks back outside, maybe some NATIVE NON-PEST species
> will have a tasty snack!
>
> I understand that it would be difficult to abandon these guys after taking
> them in. If you feed them bugs or french fries for a few days you can
> release them successfully. And next year they will take over nest sites
> and food sources that native species could have used in their own breeding
> efforts.
>
> Sorry for the sarcasm, but jeez! starlings!
>
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Amy J. Stabins
> College of Forest Resources
> University of Washington
> astabins at u.washington.edu
>
>