Forum home› Wildlife gardening
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Blackbird

DarleydameDarleydame Posts: 18
in Wildlife gardening
The garden in our new build home hadnt seen a bird in it since we moved in 18 months ago, but today we have had our first visitor picking off vibernum berries, but then it moved onto rooting about in my newly manured bed making a right mess and eating my lovely worms which were few and far between so joy short lived but it was still a welcome sight. I have planted an amelchanier tree as the blackbirds have enjoyed their berries in  our last 2 gardens so hope it will bring along it's mate later this year.
«1

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I didn't think compost worms were the same as earth worms?
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    Lizzie27 said:
    I didn't think compost worms were the same as earth worms?
    they're not but a well composted garden  will bring in the earthworms


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    As you both say/agree.
    But mostly earthworms are hibernating if it is cold enough. Zero degrees? Though it is warm enough in places in the UK for some to be active?
    Worms in bins or wormeries can die off if they get cold. Poor little beggars freeze as they are high moisture content....aww....They survive in big heaps or sheltered wormeries
    Some earthworms delve deeper and hide.

    Brought in from a big muck heap they may have been protected but if in the manure and it is not too cold= Birdie feast.
    I know there were worms in the big muck heap at a yard I used to go to, this all heats up so maybe the heat kept them going or also different worms?
    Never paid attention at the time.
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited January 2019
    I don't think my blackbird is bothered which sort of worm it's eating they were certainly active and wriggling! 🤔
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    :D, very pleased for you they are finally moving in, I thought you were (only mildly) complaining they made a mess and pinched your worms.
    Think I would be wriggling if a blackbird got hold of me too. :D
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    You are right @rubytoo I was sort of complaining, but I can put up with the mess if it means seeing birds again! Bonus today as Mrs Blackbird arrived for the cotoneaster berries. 
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    Lovely!
    Do you think they might nest in your garden?
    I appreciate it is relatively new but sounds like you are getting a good range of shrubs in to entice them.
    Fingers crossed and hope you will be posting later in the year about little ones. 
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    The garden is too small for next building but they might bring the family later on.
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    My "blackbird in residence" is quite fond of my crab apples, a welcome change from worms, I suppose.

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Planted a crab apple as well but untouched at the moment. Great photo.
Sign In or Register to comment.