OUR PATRIOT AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM
The inventor of the first cannon made of cast steel, is reputed to have remarked that cannon guns were not manufactured for future generations of children to play upon in town squares.
About twenty guns captured after the siege of Sevastapol (formerly Sebastopol) in September 1855 are now on display in towns throughout Ireland and there is one at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire and it does attract many children however when I visited a few days ago it was attracting many starlings (there were many at rest along the pier). Unfortunately they they refused to pose for me when I tried to photograph them.
The Crimean War was fought from October 1853 to February 1856 between Russia and an ultimately victorious alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom and Sardinia-Piedmont.
The common starling is stocky and dark overall. Short tail, triangular wings, and long, pointed bill. Close look reveals beautiful plumage. In breeding season, shows purple and green iridescence on body with yellow bill. In winter, bold white spots cover the entire body. Native to Eurasia; introduced in many regions worldwide, where it is now abundant. Often in large flocks. Makes variety of squeaky vocalisations, including proficient mimicry of other species. Inhabits a wide range of open habitats, often in very close proximity to people. Visits feeders, and is often aggressive.