#id:iris

[rainyflock]

Iris completing her daily inspection of today's bug offerings

[rainyflock]

Manco showing off for Iris and Milo! And Iris showing off a bit too 💜

Manco is my oldest male, likely around 7, and has a pretty extensive vocal repertoire. In this video alone, you can hear a killdeer, Canadian goose, gulls, and part of his mallard quack lol. He can also mimic red-shouldered hawks, robins, crows, blue jays, and grackles. A very talented boy! 🧡

[rainyflock]

Iris, in song.

[rainyflock]

My beloved old boy, Manco. He's been with me for three years now, and was an older guy as far as wild starlings go when he got here.

Plus bonus Iris making sure I don't pester him. She's a lil overprotective of him lol.

[rainyflock]

Iris of judgement

[rainyflock]

thanks to a lot of help from my husband, all of the health checks are done and the aviary is totally cleaned, re-perched, and re-planted ❤️ I am so so relieved to have this finished - I normally do a huge deep clean in the fall, but we weren't sure if I would be up and moving again before things started to freeze. they seem pretty happy, so I'm happy too 🥰

[rainyflock]

Starlings are invasive in many parts of the world, including where I live, but they still have plenty of redeeming qualities, and that includes being very personable, intelligent, and beautiful birds who are a delight to keep and interact with. Generally speaking, wild birds do not make good pets and deserve their freedom if it's possible- and they should always be taken to rehabbers or vets if they need help.

My rescued starlings live in a large outdoor aviary on my property year-round. These are all birds who were either raised and imprinted by humans, or were born wild and raised by their parents but sustained life-altering injuries that prevented them from being releasable.

Starlings are not easy birds to keep by any means - being wild birds, they require a complex and specific diet to remain healthy. They are also totally unlike common pet birds and are often sorely misunderstood as a result. Failure to provide an ideal diet and care can result in deficiencies, illness, deformity, organ failure, or death. They are also highly social and intelligent, and can become unhappy if or not provided enough stimulation in captivity.

If you are interested in starling ownership PLEASE make sure to do comprehensive research to provide them the appropriate care they deserve! I am always happy to answer questions about starling care, what it's like having them, or anything else you may be curious about!