Punk makes comeback

We were intrigued to hear news from Don Berry's Manchester garden where what appears to be the same Starling, with remarkable 'punk hairstyle', has reappeared after some time away. The bird is not ringed, so we cannot be certain that it is the same individual but it certainly bears a close resemblance! The loss of feathers is likely to be due to feather mites or lice, although quite why the feathers on the top of the head have remained intact is unclear. The head area is difficult for a bird to preen, thereby making it vulnerable to feather parasites.

Before... (in July 2012):

punk-rocker-starling-2012-don-berry-cropped.jpg

After... (in May 2013):

starling-punk-don-berry-cropped.gif

BTO Data Reports

Our reports provide rigorous scientific information to inform Environmental Impact Assessments in the UK.

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