I have noticed a great decline in the starling population in the peninsula of Clare. At a reed roost here we had around half a million birds, now it numbers only a few thousand. The numbers of starlings that roost in barns has also declined. This situation does not augur well for the population of predator birds such as peregrines and other raptors. There was also a decline in the number of redwings here in November, but an increase in the numbers of fieldfares.
J. F. Carmody, Kilrush, Co Clare
The redwings that arrive Ireland in winter come from Finland, Sweden and Norway. The timing of their arrival depends on the severity of the weather there and on the abundance of the rowan berry crop in Scandinavia, and on the weather and food supply on the way.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. email: viney@anu.ie