Garden Wildlife UK

The weather today has been far from ideal for us humans but my Blackbirds have been in heaven. the normally well buried worms have been near the surface and little slugs were to be found everywhere. The nearby nests of baby blackbirds have been well catered for today.

... and the worm-gathering was well in swing this morning too.

It appears I have suffered a loss of a very friendly cock Blackbird who has frequented my garden for most of this year. He was always first on the scene when the sultanas were put out on the bird table and tended to follow me around in the hope more would be forthcoming. This morning a pile of Blackbird coloured feathers was in evidence on the back lawn and at sultana time he was nowhere to be seen

Ats a shame ,would it be a cat or sparrowhawk .

Oh dear, Jacksparrow, I am sorry. Hope he wasn't the worm provider for a family.

Placido wrote:Oh dear, Jacksparrow, I am sorry. Hope he wasn't the worm provider for a family.

You have highlighted the big problem at this time of year. The loss of one parent could condemn a nest full of babies.

greenfinch2 wrote:Ats a shame ,would it be a cat or sparrowhawk .

I am not sure greenfinch. The sparrowhawk is the chief suspect.

Very sorry, Jacksparrow

Above you see the familiar, sorry, annual state of affairs surrounding the mulberry tree at this time of year. The fuzzies form and then drop off as if following a well-worn script .

However, toady there was one ray of sunshine: a f. blackbird was happily gathering up the fuzzies, presumably engaged in a little Sunday diy nest improvement. You have to admire such imaginative recycling .
Hope they're all warm 'n' safe.

I am delighted to report that I have managed to let a nesting site in the ivy on my front wall. My clients are a pair of Blackbirds who a currently engaged in a self-build for what must be their second home this year.