Last Four Baby Blackbirds

[Barmaid]

the next four baby blackbirds are fledging today. three have left the nest one is still in it.

I can see this being more stressful that the previous two because the three that have left are ALL on the ground. I've had to move two of them so far which mum wasn't terribly impressed about.

So far our score is Blackbirds 8 Cats 0 - so I'm going for 100% success rate.

[Barmaid]

I *think* that one is the eldest. The one on the floor next to my seat is much smaller and its feathers are not as well developed. I'll see if I can snap that one later.

[Barmaid]

I like "bums"!

[Tilly2]

Please don't mention 'bums' You know what will happen!

[humbersloop]

do the parents still feed them while their *ahems* are developing? And presumably, they're practicing feeding independently and having a go at flying?

[Tilly2]

Do you not have blackbirds up in The Humber, sloopy?

[Barmaid]

Oh yes, mum and dad will be constantly back and forth for the next few days. They are very good and feed them in strict rotation. Of course, I help out by leaving them little goodies. They particularly like sultanas, as long as they are well soaked. I'm not sure why I'm so worried because the moment a cat sets foot in this garden, the parents will start their warning song, I hear it and shoot outside.

That's what got me out of bed this morning! Despite the fact our bedroom is at the front, I could hear the birds going crazy at the back.

[Barmaid]

When all the babies have gone, I assume the parents will leave too. That will be a real shame, because Mum is a real sweetie and very very friendly. I'll really miss her. :( Despite the fact that she has done nothing for my blood pressure over the last few months.

[humbersloop]

quite possibly Tilly, but my knowledge of bird things is sadly only matched by my grasp of string theory

busy time round BMs though

[Tilly2]

A blackbird's warning call can be heard for miles around. It's very distinctive.
Cheep,cheep,cheep....................................cheep, cheep, cheep.

They will come back next year BM. We have had the same 'chocolatety' brown female nesting in our garden for the last four years. We sometimes see her in winter too. I don't think they go too far.

[tonyav]

Barmaid
Question Author
I like "bums"!

So do I.

[Barmaid]

Isn't it just Sloopy. Of course, once I've fed cats, fed and cleaned out the chickens, guarded and fed the blackbirds, made sure the water pots are full for the hedgies (they get their food later), watered the veg, watered the hanging baskets, I also have to feed Mr BM, son of Mr BM and at some point myself! Meanwhile, Mr BM and son of Mr BM will be playing Xbox........

[Barmaid]

I'm fairly sure that this pair are the same pair we had last year Tilly. They nested in the same bush as well.

I still think they are stupid coming to a house with 4 cats and 3 chickens (who are equally as predatory to their babies).

[humbersloop]

I've just looked blackbirds up on the rspb site swells with newfound learning...

..it was strangely silent on the feeding and xbox habits of the male of the BM species though