Garden Wildlife UK

My next door neighbour has a good sized holly bush in his front garden. 4 weeks ago it was a real picture loaded with bright red berries. It was about then I noticed the Blackbirds were giving it some attention Today there is not one berry to be seen. If anyone had thoughts of creating a Christmassy display they will be very disappointed.

Usually by this time of the year I am hosting at least 4 blackbirds At present I'm having to settle for 50% of that and even then not all of the time. I know that in most winters large numbers of BBs make their way from mainland Europe to enjoy our milder climate. They either haven't arrived this year or have headed south instead.

Jacksparrow wrote: Fri Dec 18, 2020 9:10 pm Usually by this time of the year I am hosting at least 4 blackbirds At present I'm having to settle for 50% of that and even then not all of the time. I know that in most winters large numbers of BBs make their way from mainland Europe to enjoy our milder climate. They either haven't arrived this year or have headed south instead.

I have the same situation Jack, my blackbirds that used to be regulars in my garden, at least 2 pairs, never came back, or have I've seen any others. Until today, when I saw a female having a snack. Beautiful lady , but only one. Why are blackbirds missing?

Ok they are back , I saw 3 today! Male had the shiniest feathers imaginable, like black silk, absolutely gorgeous . Helped himself to a few mealworms

That is good butterfly, they are lovely birds. Yesterday i was watching a male pecking at the fatballs hanging in the tree. Did not move for quite a while.

I have two or three Blackbirds that come into feed. Like the one above they usually feed on the ground. However recently they have taken to feeding on the bird table.

He is a handsome fella. Been getting one or two lately, but can`t compete with the starlings.

Blackbirds are first and foremost ground feeders as we all know. In the past I have had one that could feed from the hanging seed feeders but it was accompanied with much flapping of wings and I'm not sure the reward justified the effort. One of my female BBs has now found out how to feed off the hanging fat block feeder. I have seen her on it a couple of times today and there are signs of her efforts on the block of fat'
Because the ground is getting hard and BBs like to dig up worms etc. I'm thinking she is managing as best she can.

One of the male Blackbirds has now learnt how to use the fat block feeder along with some visiting Starlings. I had to put a new block in this evening as the one that had been in since Chrimbo disappeared over a couple of days

Another one of my resident blackbirds - bill not quite as yellow