starling

At the same park where I found sparrows crowding a bird feeder, I also saw this starling marching along the ground.

Thanks to the strong sunlight all the colors in its spring feather coat come out. I usually perceive starlings as mostly black birds with a beautiful voice. But here we see golden brown outlining, light spots, and sparkling green on shoulder and chest.

Just before leaving for Canada I saw starlings in Brühl. They, too, wear their festive spring costume while disagreeing with each other, probably over territory or mates. Starlings are a global phenomenon it seems.