Ask a Birder

Ask a Birder: What bird do you dislike admitting you like?

November 4, 2026 by Editor No Comments

We asked several of our writers the same questions. Here are the answers to the one above.

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I am rather shameless, so I gladly admit to liking sparrows, starlings, and occasionally I feel admiration for gulls (Peter Penning).

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The Great Cormorant. Many people—especially anglers—dislike the cormorant. I have read the bands on many cormorants from a hide. Their feet look prehistoric, and their eye color is fantastic (Rolf Nessing).

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The Great Kiskadee. It is common, noisy, and not remotely concerned about being subtle, but it has character. It also photographs well, which earns considerable forgiveness from me (Fitzroy Rampersand).

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No shame in my game – so I’d never dislike admitting what I like. Here in SW Germany, I am rather fond of the Rose-ringed Parakeets. Invasives, yes. A joy to look at nonetheless. (Jochen Roeder)

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I like male roosters.  That tail.  Those feet.  The attitude (Mary Alice Hayward).

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 I like the European Starling, which in North America is an introduced and invasive species. Let’s say I like it most where it is native (Peter Hinow).

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I have had a water feature in my backyard since 2013.  It is the biggest extravagance I have ever added to my home because its sole purpose is to attract birds.  It runs day and night continuously.  Last winter was very cold, but I managed, with difficulty, to keep the water moving throughout the entire winter.  (I don’t plan to try that again this winter).  It abuts my patio, and in good weather I invite friends to sit, and I eat and read there.  I have learned that House Sparrows are enthusiastic bathers and I love watching them.  On occasion, eight or ten House Sparrows will all be splashing together.  In the United States, it’s the rare birder who will admit to liking House Sparrows.  So I don’t admit it.  I just watch them  (Catherine Carroll)

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Canada Goose. Birders are generally dismissive of these North American immigrants, but they have been present in Britain for about 400 years, so are now honorary Brits. They are handsome birds, and I like their honking, which sounds a bit like toy trumpets. I’ve also eaten roast Canada goose, and recall (it was a long time ago) that it was pretty good (David Tomlinson).

Photo: Canada Goose (David Tomlinson)