50 Yard Starling

[longislandhunter]

I had some free time this afternoon so I grabbed the .177 Goldfinger and headed to the duck farm. As I pulled into my usual parking spot it became immediately evident that I wouldn't be firing many pellets today as there wasn't a bird in sight anywhere, but I figured I'd at least get some exercise and I could use the time to locate any new G-hog burrows.

I walked 1/2 way around the farm and while I did locate several new G-hog burrows with fresh sign around them I still hadn't even fired one pellet.  I suddenly saw a large flock of pigeons, about 30 birds, feeding at a duck feeder 40 yards away. It was very windy but I figured I'd try. I leaned on a feeder for support, picked out the biggest pigeon in the flock and took aim. Pulled the trigger and let the CPL fly. I saw some feathers fly but no birds went down so I guess I either got a partial hit or the feathers I saw were just some loose feathers that flew up when the flock took off. The entire flock headed for the other end of the farm and never returned. Well, at least I stopped em from eating anymore duck feed. :)
 

I was on my way back to the truck when I heard the distinctive song of some starlings. I stopped and looked around in all direction but didn't see any birds. I kept listening and looking and finally located 2 starling perched almost at the very top of a huge old oak tree. I estimated the tree to be about 50 yards from me and it was still windy but I figured I had nothing to lose. I didn't have anything to lean against but I set the AO and took aim at one of the yellow beaks. I waited for the wind to subside a bit then took a breath, held it and fired. Almost instantly I heard the familiar "POP" of the CPL slamming home and saw the yellow beak fall from the tree and do a long death glide. This bird took the longest death glide I've ever seen, I guess due to how high he was in the oak. Anyway, he hit the ground in a thick brushy patch of woods right next to the main road that the farm is adjacent to . I looked for him but never did find him, but I saw him go down so he's a confirmed Kill :) I paced off the distance after the shot and it was indeed 50 yards to the base of the tree. I couldn't believe I hit him,,, I was psyched to say the least !!! God I love that Goldfinger :) although I do have to admit the airgun gods had to have helped that pellet find it's mark.

Didn't get any more shots but it had been a good day and I got in the truck and pointed it towards home.

Jeff

Jeff,I now know why you chose your name......You are truly the real "LONG ISLAND HUNTER"


BTW.....The resident license was only $5.00...That was $100 difference for the two of them.......THANKS FOR THE INFO........

[Big_Bill]

Great account Jeff,

That starling didn't know how fortunate it was, to be taken by a 177 Goldfinger and You !

Good shootin buddy, and fine account of your afternoon hunt. :)

Bill

[longislandhunter]

Thanks Bill,,, that shot made the whole trip worth it !!

And Joe,,,,,, glad you got your refund buddy,,,,,, thats a chunk of change difference !! :) See, now you got extra "found" airgun money :)

Jeff

[crazy4salmon]

Cool story Jeff, I would have like to have seen the death glide. Mine are always on the ground. The power lines behind my house that they sit on is not a safe direction for me to shoot. Fifty yards that is sweet. Goldfinger or Talon, Goldfinger or Talon, Goldfinger or Talon. Just cant make up my mind. Your hunt has me thinking Goldfinger again.:/ No Talon. No Goldfinger.;) Congrats on the shot and in the wind even!

Dan L

Jeff, I have a good idea of what to spend the cash on.......so do you!

[Black Mamba]

That's truly excellent shooting Jeff.

Shots like that don't come around often but when they do, they're story shots for sure!

[longislandhunter]

Thanks Greg,, thanks Dan,,, but I'll be the first to admit good old fashioned luck had an AWFUL lot to do with it..... But it was sweet just the same :)

Jeff

[gamo2hammerli]

Wow that's an incredible shot...congrats.  Lets see, windy, freehand shooting, estimated distance to "huge" oak tree...50 yards..plus the birds were at the very top....so that's more than 50 yards...maybe even 55+ yards....at an incline.  Outstanding!!!!

[shadow]

Great shot Jeff, got some yard's behind that pellet, it real good to be back and catch up on the hunt stories and pic's. Missed you buddy and again greatshot and story. Ed

[longislandhunter]

Hey,,, welcome back buddy,,,,, missed you too buddy !! Glad to hear you made it safe and sound and are already hunting in your new home. Lookin forward to your pics . Wasn't the same without ya bud :)

Jeff

[shadow]

I see you've kept the Hunting Gate up and kicking with some great hunt's and I do my best to pick up where I left off, lot's of new varment's here that don't know me yet hehehe. Ed