European Starlings

A cloud of about 20-30 European starlings descended from the sky and landed in the top of the camphor tree that resides in our front yard.  The famished invaders were after the plum-colored berries produced by the tree.

I watched as they cackled and jerked the berries free in a feeding frenzy that shook the entire crown of the tree.  And as fast as they arrived they left in a woosh of wings. 

Suggested Reading:

Nest Site Competition
2011 Purple Martin Notes 4
The Impact of Starlings
Starlings And Woodpeckers: Eternal Enemies
House Sparrows and Starlings Are Super Competitors