Anonymous writes "Burden in America, good omen in Palestine
By Jameel Al-Husni -Tubass
JERICHO –During this season, one has a chance to see the acrobatic flying of the European Starling (sometimes known as the Common Starling) in the Jericho skies. In fact, there has been such an invasion of these migrating birds that the skies of Jericho are at time covered with flocks of starlings. Starling flocks are the highlight of the diverse bird population in Palestine during the migration season that leaves from Europe to escape the cold and heads to Africa. Jericho, as well as most of the Jordan valley, provides warm weather en route.
The wilderness Society said it observed during the last days a large
number of sturnus vulgaris migrating from west and east Europe. While
this is a happy occasion in some parts of the world, in others it
dreaded, because the starling is also known for eating crops.
Imad al-Atrash, the executive director of the Palestine Wildlife Society said that the Australian government pays hunters to eliminate as many as they can, "Australians consider them devastating to their areas and agricultural crops".
However, in Palestine residents are looking forward to the arrival of sterling flocks, especially the farmers, who believe this birds brings rain. Visitors to Jericho can see large flocks of starling drawing shapes in the sky. This is also the mating season for many bird types. These birds live in an open, warm, quiet environment away from the noise of cities. Starling migrate to Palestine by mid November and stay until the beginning of spring, return to Europe to mate only to emigrate once more. According to some reports, there are nearly 520 species belonging to some 206 races with more than 65 family and 21 grades visiting Palestine with an annual total of nearly 500 million birds. The starling emigrates from cooler to warmer climates in large numbers, which is undesirable for farmers, or for food; this bird lives in its homeland near houses and residential areas.
This smart, intelligent bird with sharp and melodic tunes moves swiftly on ground or in the sky. Its shiny feathers and long bill distinguish it from the many bird species one sees during migration. It feeds on insects and worms from garbage and animal farms, grain agricultural areas.
The starling is common and can be found in different areas such as Jericho, the Jordan Valley and the surrounding mountains. This bird chooses an area, either its homeland or first emigration destination and stays there its entire life.
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