There's a reasonably-sized young blackbird - fully-fledged but obviously too lazy to try to fly - in our undergrowth. All day, its parents have chased (violently and very vociferously) a succession of starlings, thrushes, jackdaws and rooks away. They're still at it. It's almost dark, and we have one blackbird each side of the trees issuing shrill alarm calls - facing outwards. Aren't they amazing?
I love seeing baby blackbirds hopping about being fed by their dads. I don't know what the mum is up to by that time but I reckon she's right, she's spent weeks sitting on a nest, now it's his turn!
The young one is still fine - I found it this morning sitting calmly within reach of the neighbour's marmalade cat. Neither of them seemed over-perturbed.
Ha ha .. young one can now fly a couple of yards when it's pushed. Tomorrow, the world. Strange image of me, the marmalade cat and the poodle all going "go on, you can do it". It's doing it ... so far.
i do love my blackbirds even when they eat all the best sweetest grapes.our neighbors marmalade cat is mighty hunter retired and pretends he hasnt seen them
Silly question time - is a magpie born without a tail?
Cos I saw one yesterday hopping around, with its mouth open, looking all over the place, just like a youngster with open mouth waiting for mum or dad to feed it. Only it didn't have a tail!
It should have a tail - a bit shorter than the adult version, but a tail nonetheless. Oh dear - sounds like a cat almost caught its dinner. The tail feathers will grow out again, if the poor thing gets the chance.
