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Falling stars... A starling appears to pluck a woodpecker out of the sky as they have a dramatic battle for food. The "once in a lifetime" encounter between the starling and the great spotted woodpecker was witnessed near Colchester, Essex. Retired horticulturists Charles Whitfield King, 68, of Ipswich, Suffolk said, "The starling and woodpecker were in conflict, likely over food. The woodpecker flew in on a flock of starlings that were feeding. The starlings then made it very clear it was not welcome." "After a few seconds of scraping the woodpecker left the flock of starlings to it. It's very uncommon, I’ve never seen anything like this before, let alone being fortunate enough to photograph it. This was probably a once in a lifetime for a wildlife photographer." Please byline: Charles Whitfield King/Solent News © Charles Whitfield King/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800 *** Local Caption *** 1. What are the two birds in the photos? They are a starling and great spotted woodpecker 2 Can you describe what is going on in the photos? The starling and woodpecker in conflict possibly over food 3. Do you know why they are fighting? The woodpecker came in to a flock of starlings, which were feeding and starlings were making it clear It was not welcome. 4. What was the outcome? The woodpecker left the flock of starlings after a few seconds scrap 5. Were you surprised to see this happen and is it common to see? Very uncommon, I’ve never seen anything like this before, let alone photographed it , probably once in a lifetime for a wildlife photographer 6. What is your age occupation and where are you from? I am retired after working on a tree nursery for 45 years. I’m from Ipswich in Suffolk