Starlings move into downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Buildings in Springfield — including the Old Capitol Plaza — have become home to hundreds of starlings this winter, and some people aren't happy that downtown is going to the birds.

An ornithologist tells the Springfield State Journal-Register (http://bit.ly/zLR6ms ) that the starlings will move on when spring approaches.

But that's little consolation to Downtown Springfield Inc. executive director Victoria Ringer. Ringer says she's had to call the city to clean benches on the Old Capitol Plaza that were covered by bird droppings.

Alderman Sam Cahnman says the birds are certainly noisy, but city spokesman Ernie Slottag says about all the city can do is clean up after them until the flocks move on.