We had blackbirds nesting again this year and this time in a field maple very close to the house. I guess they are getting used to us. What was odd was that the female sat on the nest for many weeks in late spring but didn't lay eggs untill mad summer. It was great to watch all the fledglings being trained on the art of flying and food collection. they are all still around. As someone said, they are very aggressive (impressively so) towards all cats in the area and do swoop down on masse to try and get rid of them. I almost felt sorry for the cat who was nowhere near the garden just minding it's own business sunning itself. Their aggresion towards cats though is nothing compared to their reaction against Magpies.
Lovely to have them so regularly Iain. I used to get more when I lived round the corner, but there wasn't a single one visiting this garden when I moved in. It's taken a couple of years to get them in and I had a couple of pairs last year which was lovely. Just shows what can happen with a little effort and the right conditions.
Like ladygardener's, they're a bit absent over summer, but they'll be back for all the berries soon. Doesn't take long for them to strip the cotoneasters at the back of the shed
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
We usually have a few blackbirds pecking at the fallen, damaged apples on the lawn, which I leave there on purpose for them, however this year we have had none - most strange.
Sadly "mine" did not nest in my garden this year but I am happy to claim them. They come as visitors from a neighbouring garden, last time we had any the Magpies drove them out!
Spent a lovely 15 mins yesterday when all the local birds seemed to be flitting back & forth. Only 2 Blackbirds this time so I guess the juveniles have had to find their own area to patrol now. We saw Dunnocks blue & great tits a pair of wrens and the resident robin of course. They were all systematically going through the shrubs & around the pots piking off whatever they could find- not sure it's the best use of my time but very relaxing.
How right you are josusa47. Luckily we have our bird feeder in line with the sun lounge window, and it is easy for me to watch and enjoy them feeding. However I spend hours working in the garden and have not spent very much time sitting outside just enjoying it this summer.
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We had blackbirds nesting again this year and this time in a field maple very close to the house. I guess they are getting used to us. What was odd was that the female sat on the nest for many weeks in late spring but didn't lay eggs untill mad summer. It was great to watch all the fledglings being trained on the art of flying and food collection. they are all still around.
As someone said, they are very aggressive (impressively so) towards all cats in the area and do swoop down on masse to try and get rid of them. I almost felt sorry for the cat who was nowhere near the garden just minding it's own business sunning itself. Their aggresion towards cats though is nothing compared to their reaction against Magpies.
Last edited: 18 September 2017 10:41:29
We have had a family of juveniles (4 at once) on our lawn morning & evening for a month now.
I don't usually have Blackbirds during summer and I miss them too. Hopefully it won't be long before they're visiting again for all of us.
Lovely to have them so regularly Iain. I used to get more when I lived round the corner, but there wasn't a single one visiting this garden when I moved in. It's taken a couple of years to get them in and I had a couple of pairs last year which was lovely. Just shows what can happen with a little effort and the right conditions.
Like ladygardener's, they're a bit absent over summer, but they'll be back for all the berries soon. Doesn't take long for them to strip the cotoneasters at the back of the shed
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
We usually have a few blackbirds pecking at the fallen, damaged apples on the lawn, which I leave there on purpose for them, however this year we have had none - most strange.
Sadly "mine" did not nest in my garden this year but I am happy to claim them. They come as visitors from a neighbouring garden, last time we had any the Magpies drove them out!
I haven't seen any blackbirds in the garden yet
The Blue Tits and robins are back in the garden now.
Spent a lovely 15 mins yesterday when all the local birds seemed to be flitting back & forth. Only 2 Blackbirds this time so I guess the juveniles have had to find their own area to patrol now. We saw Dunnocks blue & great tits a pair of wrens and the resident robin of course. They were all systematically going through the shrubs & around the pots piking off whatever they could find- not sure it's the best use of my time but very relaxing.
Definitely the best use of your time. You'll never have those 15 minutes again, and it's not long to postpone whatever else you might have done.
How right you are josusa47. Luckily we have our bird feeder in line with the sun lounge window, and it is easy for me to watch and enjoy them feeding. However I spend hours working in the garden and have not spent very much time sitting outside just enjoying it this summer.