FOR many years I have realised starlings are in worrying decline and I have an opinion on why this may be.

We have always treated our garden as a nature reserve and have put up lots of nest boxes, including eight nest boxes which are used every year by stock doves.

Back in the 1970s starlings always took over these boxes early in the year keeping the stock doves out until after the starlings had raised their first and second broods, which meant the stock doves didn't occupy the nest boxes until after July, which still gave them time to complete two or three broods by October each year.

But for the last 30 years or so the starlings have given up using these nest boxes, so I have provided special starling nest boxes which they take to quite readily.

The starlings always produce one brood successfully but have never used the boxes for a second brood.

This has always puzzled me but at the same time this change in behaviour must result in a large reduction in starling numbers annually.

I cannot understand why starlings which have always been double brooded suddenly produce only one brood per year - this immediately reduces their population by 50%.

More recently starling numbers may be stabilising and this year we have had four pairs successfully rearing their usual first nest.

Interestingly, one pair this year has nested again and their second clutch of chicks are on the verge of fledging.

If this turnaround becomes the norm again then hopefully we will see the starling regain its former numbers.

To prove my theory, it would be interesting to hear other people's observations as to whether their starlings have produced two broods a year or just one.

  • Roger Musselle runs Roger's Wildlife Rescue in Woodingdean