A Soaked Starling Is An Angry Starling! Even When Just Rescued. Photo Debi Dodge

Lensworth here.
Some stories announce themselves the moment you see the expression on the protagonist’s face. This one belonged to a very wet, very unimpressed European starling who had just been plucked from an accidental dip in a hot tub. If ever a bird mastered the art of the glare, this little survivor had it down cold.

Most birds rescued from mishaps arrive looking confused, relieved, or soggy-but-grateful. Not this one. This starling radiated pure indignation. Soaked feathers slicked tight against its tiny frame, beak slightly open in what could only be described as a verbal complaint held back by species limitations, and eyes narrowed into the universal look of “I am filing a grievance with management.” If birds had unions, this was a shop steward.

Starlings, for all their beauty, already walk through life with a certain attitude. You’ve seen them take over a tree like a biker club rolling into a small town diner. They strut, they posture, they lecture other birds about seed rights. But add 102-degree water and a surprise plunge? That attitude shifts into something operatic. Our starling looked ready to draft a manifesto.

Yet even within the drama, there was resilience. Once warmed, dried, and reassured, that furious feather-ball reclaimed its dignity one fluff at a time. A few minutes later it stood tall, feathers lifted, looking less like a drenched complainer and more like a bird preparing to return to the sky—while still offering the occasional side-eye to remind us that forgiveness comes at its own pace.

This was not just a rescue. It was a portrait in personality. A reminder that wildlife isn’t just beautiful; it’s expressive, individual, and sometimes very, very annoyed. And honestly? That makes them all the more wonderful to photograph, watch, and write about.

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling 

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com