Starling Decoys

[longislandhunter]

A couple of years ago I made a post showing a starling decoy rig I made.  With all the interest lately in shooting starlings I thought I'd re-post some pics of my rig in case anyone else wants to make one.  I used it mostly at the duck farm by placing it on top of the grain feeders and it worked very well.  As you all know starlings are a flocking species and all it takes is a couple of birds on the ground to make the rest of the flock feel safe to land.  

I picked up these fake birds at a local craft store called "Michaels".  I think they are a chain store so many of you may have them in your area.  The birds were cheap, just a dollar or two each if I remember correctly and they are actually covered with fake feathers that look very real.  I wired them onto the wooden frame I put togeather.  

Anyway, here's some pics ...........

Jeff

[dk1677]

They look great! Very realistic!

[longislandhunter]

Thanks,,,,, I actually thought about breaking out my air brush and adding some starling markings but I never got around to it...   I may try it on 1 bird and see how it comes out....

Jeff

[Mryan21]

very nice, i'm going to give that a try.

[atchman2]

DANG! I thought they were real at first glance! Great idea!  Put some suet cakes out and bada bing bada BOOM!

[airiscool]

Looks great Jeff. How well does it work?

We've got a Michaels up in Utica.  If it works well I'll get some.  

Little over an hour after removing the one I shot and propped up this morning the flock came back across the road.  I dropped, and propped another Starling and now two hours later the rest of the flock won't come near it.  They must know something's different about just one laying on the ground.

Paul

[longislandhunter]

Paul, the rig worked well for me at the duck farm.  I would put in on top of the grain feeders and it worked well at drawing in yellow  beaks.  

Jeff

[Mryan21]

I can't wait to head to micheals .  Bet if i glue a couple to the bait tray, the live ones will land. I love using decoy for turkey and deer, never thought i could get starling decoys so cheap.

[gamo2hammerli]

Cripes....they look so real.....now don`t go shooting those by mistake.

[Uncle J]

As real as those look, I would end up with a yard full of dead decoys.

[jake]

great decoy! im going to have to run to micheals and pick me up a few. one question, have you ever shot one of the decoys by accident? lol they look very real to me

[RX2-KILLER]

LMAO!!!!! tHAT IS GREAT JOB! i HAVE A MICHAELS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, I AM GOING TO LOOK RIGHT NOW.. THANKS

[TheKnot]

I am on that myself have a michaels close by also thanks .

[Wade.S]

Jeff, are you getting a cut from Michael's? Sounds like you are sending them lots of business. I myself am going to Michael's to look for some of these birds. Love the decoy setup!

[longislandhunter]

No, no "kick backs" for me.... although I wouldn't object if they send some green my way  

I found the birds in the same section with all the wreath making supplies.   They had a whole shelf of them along with a couple of other kinds of birds.  

Looking forward to seeing some pics of the rigs you guys make up and glad I could help  

Jeff