Date: 11/25/25 4:03 pm From: John and Linda Frederick <frederickjohnandlinda...> Subject: Re: Have you heard and Merlin confirmed a bird you didn't see?
I think even if the bird is in season and expected, you should be
suspicious if Starlings are present. They are great imitators of Northern
Bobwhite and sometimes call back and forth with them (at least in my
neighborhood).
Linda Frederick
Rolla MO
On Tue, Nov 25, 2025, 10:16 AM Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
> Birders, beware! European Starlings are superb imitators.
>
> If you think you hear a bird out of its expected season in Missouri, but
> do not see it, and/or Merlin indicates a bird detected that normally should
> no longer be present in Missouri, think twice (or more) before including it
> on your checklist.
>
> Look around you, are there starlings present? Starlings have been known
> to imitate phoebes, pee wees, and many, many more species.
>
> If you don't know when a bird is expected to have left Missouri, excellent
> bar charts showing the expected presence of species are the heart of the
> MDC publication, "Enjoying Missouri's Birds".
>
> See. https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/free-publications to order your free
> copy. The publication number is ID*:* W00007.
>
> Bodacious, informed birding!
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> <1edgewade...>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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