Introduction of European Starlings to America

Background

• In 1890, Eugene Schifflin, an American drug manufacturer and Shakespeare enthusiast, released 60 European starlings in New York City's Central Park.
• Schifflin was the chairman of the American Acclimatization Society, which aimed to introduce European plants and animals to America for familiarity.
• Schifflin's goal was to introduce every bird species mentioned in Shakespeare to America.

Initial Release

• On a cold March morning, Schifflin released 60 starlings imported from London.
• The attempt seemed inconsequential initially as few starlings survived.

Unexpected Consequences

• By 1928, starlings spread to Mississippi; by 1942, they reached California.
• By the 1950s, there were 50 million starlings in the U.S.; now, there are around 200 million.

Attempts to Control the Population

• Initial efforts included landowners using teddy bears in trees and firing rockets.
• Government measures included killing millions and using experimental methods like cobalt-60.
• Disturbing proposals include preparing starlings for meat pies.

Legal and Cultural Aspects

• Starlings are not protected by law in the U.S., leading to harsh measures against them.
• A narrative exists that Schifflin's actions were inspired by Shakespeare, but this is likely a myth.
  • No evidence from Schifflin's lifetime supports the intention to release Shakespeare's birds.
  • The narrative originated from a 1947 essay by Edwin Way Teal.

Reflections on the Narrative

• The story of Schifflin releasing birds is more poetic without the Shakespeare connection.
• Schifflin's actions demonstrate humanity's unintended consequences when interfering with nature.

Conclusion

• The case exemplifies the poetic nature of actions and their unintended consequences, even without the mythological connection to Shakespeare.
• It serves as a reminder that meddling with nature often leads to unforeseen problems.