Another Blackbird Tale

[cecil39]

I spent a lot of time at the weekend watching a blackbird learning to feed from the fat ball feeder, he started by perching as close as he could and stretching his neck, as he could not get it this way he went on the ground and started to jump up at it, after several attempts he managed to cling on for a second, and eventually managed to stay on long enough to get a feed, it took him two whole days (that I know of) just shows they're not as bird brained as we think, we have 9 blackbirds in the garden it will cost a lot in fat balls if they all learn the trick, I have never seen blackbirds do this before.

[Chipchopper]

Yeah, the reward of food is a very powerful learning tool!!
I enjoyed watching that fascinating TV program with Chris Packam last night and some very intelligent members of the crow family

[sandyRoe]

The Robin in the garden hasn't mastered the art of hanging on to the feeders. I had to lower one so that it was within reach when the wee bird was standing on the peanut tray.

[Robinia]

Yes, they soon wrk it out... some of my eight or so blackbirds have started to eat the fatballs too, reed buntings which used to be very shy ground feeders now happily feast hanging on to the seed 'lanterns' and robin swoops in, grabs a sunflower heart and flies off into the hedge all in one movement. What with the squirrel hanging upside down to raid everything and feral pigeons hoovering up it's costing me a fortune to feed them all.
I watched Chris Packham last night too, great programme...I often see crows dunking food in the the birdbaths and my neighbour once saw one bury a piece of cake to save for his tea later :)