I WOULD like to respond to the article written by John Wesley in his Countryman column (Hereford Times, February 19).

I also have a large starling roost very close to my house but clearly don’t share John’s view of these winter visitors.

In his article they are referred to as an ‘unruly mob’ which by definition suggests they are a deplorable and riotous gang of criminals, who come to ‘bully off the smaller birds’.

I have watched these birds for countless hours over the past winter and, on the contrary, have found them to be most agreeable. They are certainly one of the most timid birds to visit the garden, the slightest noise or movement scares them off while the blackbirds and blue tits look on in amusement and continue about their business.

I have a very small garden and, at any one time, may have as many as 50 or 60 starlings crowded in to a few square metres.

But rather than frightening the other birds away, I have found that the others find their presence quite reassuring as they are such a good early warning system for anything or anyone who may be approaching.

The sparrows, for example, land in their dozens when the starlings are there and mingle with them quite happily but are quick to leave if the starlings take flight, only returning when the starlings do.

Surprisingly, it is the tiny, unassuming blue tit I have on occasion found to be the garden ‘bully’ as they dive bomb the goldfinch and siskin until they can take no more of it and make a hasty retreat, returning only when the coast is clear.

While the starlings appear to squabble amongst themselves at times, I have never seen them be aggressive towards any of the other birds.

Indeed, I have witnessed chaffinch, greenfinch, sparrow, wagtail and starling merrily sharing the same small patch of grass, seemingly unaware of the company.

I would suggest we take a step back and watch these beautiful birds for which I have certain affection as they really are some of the most captivating, charming and amusing visitors to the garden.

There are ways in which you can discourage certain birds from your garden but I would implore you to give these greatly misunderstood creatures a second chance.

TRACEY WRIGHT, Moor Meadow, Shobdon, nr Leominster.