DSC_3619 Starlings Mar 30 2013
Starlings Mar 30 2013
4389 starlings
... in the mud.

There was clean water no more than 10-feet away, but these starlings much preferred the muddy water for their very vigorous group bath.
Starar
Starling Migration Silouette -1945
3231 starlings
Darling Starlings

DP103-2013  Posted April 13; processed ditto

European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).  Part of a flock that scattered into a dense thicket as soon as I approached.  They had been feeding in the grass.  One step closer by me and they retreated so deeply into the thicket as to be nearly invisible.  Note that the nearer two, adults with full iridescent plumage, already have the yellow beaks of the breeding season.

Gallup Park, April 5, 2013

Thanks, and more thanks, to all who viewed and commented on yesterday's mammillaria mound.  To date, it's the most viewed (first day stats) of any of my DP posts, though I certainly wouldn't rank it as my best effort.  People vote with their eyeballs, so what do I know?  Congrats to Tom for ultimately ending up, deservedly so, in top spot in the Dailies.
DSC_3619 Starlings Mar 30 2013
DSC_3619 Starlings Mar 30 2013
DSC_3619 Starlings Mar 30 2013
DSC_3619 Starlings Mar 30 2013
See photo in original gallery.