Village post box out of service as starlings take up residence

The only post box at Clashnessie has been made into a nest by a pair of starlings.

‘Don’t blame the postie’: Clashnessie post box out of use as starlings make nest inside — Don't blame the postie: Starlings make post box nest in north west village David Haines/Assynt Field Club

10th May 2022

Residents of a north west village have been told “don’t blame the postie” if their mail is late as a pair of starlings have taken up residence in the local post box.

The only post box at Clashnessie has been appropriated by a pair of starlings which are using it as a nest box.

A sign on the post box reads: “Post box currently out of use as birds nesting within”.

It is not the first time the starlings have visited the post box – they also made it their nest in 2021.

While the birds are residing there, residents have been advised to use nearby alternatives available in Balcladdich, Stoer and Drumbeg.

On May 7, David Haines of the Assynt Field Club captured stunning images of the birds as both the male and female brought food back for their demanding youngsters within.

The birds seemed to enjoy eating leatherjackets – the larvae of crane flies – as their meal.

On the Assynt Field Club Facebook page, Mr Haines wrote: “Several times both birds flew in with food then came out a few seconds later with a faecal sack.

“They flew off with the faecal sack and dropped it a good distance from the nest. This stops the nest getting too fouled, keeps parasite numbers down and doesn’t attract the attention of predators.

“Please don’t disturb them, but do watch from a good distance. They are so hard working and are really stunning birds for ‘just’ starlings! Thank you.”