Lecture on Eugene Schifflin and the Introduction of European Starlings to America

Introduction of Starlings

• Eugene Schifflin: American drug manufacturer and Shakespeare enthusiast.
  • Chairman of the American Acclimatization Society.
  • Goal: Introduce plants and animals from Europe to America for comfort and familiarity.
• Event: In 1890, released 60 European starlings in NYC's Central Park.

Intentions and Consequences

• Motivation: Inspired by Shakespeare, attempted to introduce every bird species mentioned in his works to America.
• Outcome:
  • Initially seemed inconsequential; only 32 survived from the original 100.
  • Start of a population explosion after successful nesting at the Museum of Natural History.
  • By 1928: Starlings reached Mississippi; 1942: California.
  • 1950s: Population of 50 million in the U.S.; today around 200 million.

Efforts to Control Population

• Early Methods: Connecticut landowners used teddy bears and rockets.
• Federal Involvement:
  • 1960s: US government killed over 9 million in Nevada and California.
  • Other techniques included using cobalt-60 and Roman candles.
  • USDA's 1930s proposal for preparing starlings for meat pies.
• Legal Status: Starlings are not protected by law in the U.S.

The Shakespeare Myth

• Narrative: Man introduces every bird mentioned in Shakespeare to America.
  • Widely accepted but likely untrue.
  • No evidence connects Schifflin's actions to Shakespeare’s works specifically.
• Origins of the Myth: First noted by Edwin Way Teal in 1947.

Reflections on the Story

• Poetic Nature of the Story:
  • Story maintains popularity due to its poetic nature.
  • Lee Strasberg's quote: "Anything can be seen poetically."
  • Schifflin's story finds meaning not because of the Shakespeare connection but despite it.
• Lessons Learned:
  • Schifflin sought to improve his world but was unaware of the potential ecological impact.
  • Reflects the theme in Macbeth about disrupting natural order.

Conclusion

• Schifflin's actions led to unforeseen ecological consequences.
• The story remains significant as a cautionary tale about human intervention in nature.