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RE: Starling Attacks Flicker Nest



 John & Co.,

A similar interaction occurred between a Flicker and Starlings in my parents
yard in Wilkes County earlier this year. Just as in your case, the Flicker
successfully fended off the Starlings. What was perhaps even more
interesting was that the Flicker didn't seem interested in occupying the
cavities after excavation. The two cavities were in separate silver maple
trees separated by about 30 yards. It spent several days working on the
cavities only to leave them in the end. I concluded that it must have
somehow lost a bet with the resident Bluebirds who immediately claimed one
of the cavities. 

Eric Harrold
Charlotte, NC 

-----Original Message-----
From: John Argentati
To: Carolinabirds
Sent: 5/7/02 7:46 AM
Subject: Starling Attacks Flicker Nest

Dear Birders,

Yesterday, I noticed a starling checking out the nest box occupied by a
pair
of flickers.
He would sit on the roof with nesting material in his beak, eyeing the
opening.
My flickers have a habit of hanging their heads out the hole so the
starling
didn't try to enter - at least at first.

Then, I watched in horror as the starling forced his way into the nest
box
while an adult flicker was inside.
I couldn't believe the starling would try this.
I held my breath...

Fortunately the flicker successfully fended off the starling, but I had
to
wonder whether any of the eggs were damaged.

This morning, I checked the nest box and found the three little pink
eggs
were just fine.

Here's a picture:

http://www.mybirdlist.com/FlickerEggs.jpg

John Argentati
Greenview Pond
Raleigh, North Carolina