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© by Eric Krause, Krause House
Info-Research Solutions (© 1996)
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Researching the
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada
FOR THE BIRDS
November 1989
By
Helen O'Shea
More on Starlings - THEY ARRIVED IN 1941
Melvin Huntington wrote to Robie Tufts, migratory bird officer and author, on 21 February 1941.
"Almost every day for the last two weeks, I have seen a flock of about ten Bronzed Grackles perched in the trees in various places in the town of Louisbourg. While they do not display all the characteristics of the Grackles . . . they more closely resemble the Grackle than any other bird with which I am familiar."
...On one sunny day last week, when the snow was melting from the steeple of a nearby church, the whole flock stood under the drip, and seemed to be greatly enjoying a bath in the snow water, as it fell from the eaves - On my way to work this morning, I noticed one in a neighbouring yard, looking for his breakfast where some scraps had been thrown out. This is the first time I have seen one in search of food, since their arrival .... This is the first time I have seen Bronzed Grackles, in this part of the country earlier than about the middle of April."
Tufts replied on February 25. "Dear Mr. Huntington: ... You speak of a flock of 10 Bronzed Grackles which you have been seeing of late. I am inclined to believe that this is a case of mistaken identity, for your birds are far more likely to be European Starlings While grackles are occasionally seen throughout the winter, they are very rare, whereas starlings are now becoming very common but because they are relatively newcomers, many observers fail to recognize them in the field".
Helen O’Shea
Extracted from © The Seagull, Helen O'Shea, For the Birds