Monday, 19 November 2012

Blackbirds in my garden..................................................................................

This pair of Blackbirds are regular visitors to my garden... lovely birds to watch scratching around for food.

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Adult males are unmistakable in glossy jet black with a yellow bill and eye-ring.

Ground feeders they tend to feed close to cover turning over leaves to find worms and fallen berries...

                                             ...they also enjoy the apples I put out occasionally.

   The female is dark brown with darker wings and tail... the markings on the breast can be quite spotted on some individuals.

Nesting may begin during February in mild weather and it's the female that mainly constructs the nest a cup shaped structure of grass straw and small twigs plastered on the inside with mud and lined with grass.

I'm hoping this pair will stay around and nest in my garden.

Linking to Our World Tuesday and Wild Bird Wednesday

33 comments:

grammie g said...

Hi Andrew...Sorry I don't come by often, but I am still getting a download into my computer when I come here that I have to go in and delete!!
I do like these Blackbirds! Although not colorful like others they are an attractive bird ..like there eye...they kind of remind me in shape of the American Robin!!
Gracexx

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

These photos are very sharp. Happy to read what Grace wrote as this happens to me too at times when I visit your site. I thought it was just me. I have no explanation for it.

TexWisGirl said...

i know your robins and tits so often steal the show, but to me, these birds are some of the most beautiful that you share. :)

Anonymous said...

stunning photos. good work, congratulations! I'm glad I found you :) I too hope they nest in your garden..

Tanya Breese said...

great shots of them!

Bob Bushell said...

They are so beautiful, great photos.

MadSnapper said...

fantastic shots, they look so real, i feel i can reach in and touch them.

Brian King said...

Great photos, Andrew! I like your blackbirds. I think they're a bit more striking than the species we have here.

Icy BC said...

They are so beautiful birds, and gorgeous photos!

Gary Jones said...

They are real characters and great to watch in the garden, lovely pics Andrew.

Sylvia K said...

Such beautiful birds, Andrew, and marvelous captures for the day!! Thanks for sharing them with us! Have a great week!

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Fantastic shots of the black birds ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

colleen said...

Got George Harrison's song in my head now.

Michelle said...

I do love those shiny, black feathers.

Carole M. said...

Delightful blackbirds and snapshots 'Drew; I hope they stick around too. Sure to with your t.l.c.

Dina J said...

That look like a fine english bird! I love that first shot. He looks so cute.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Your regular garden birds are always so cute! Your robins are prettier than ours and now I know that so are your blackbirds.

jeanlivingsimple said...

Andrew, Your Blackbirds are more handsome than ours in Georgia,USA. Period...

Fun60 said...

Great series of blackbird photos. I love to hear them singing in the garden or warning me off when I get too close.

FOREST SNAPPER said...

This a great show of photos, you realy know your stuff.


peter

Kerri Farley said...

Super captures! What lovely birds!! LOVE that eye ring!

Ken Schneider said...

Those blackbirds are so pretty, and so different from any of our thrushes.

Findlay Wilde said...

Great pictures of the Blackbirds.

mick said...

Great photos of the Blackbirds and nice to see both the male and female.

Adam Tilt said...

Great shots Andrew. Blackbirds were everywhere during our recent trip to Norfolk. Made driving along the country lanes slightly perilous as we kept having to avoid them!

Unknown said...

Great close ups Andrew!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

the first shot is beautiful...and the fourth down with the little head tilt...is perfect!! wonderful little black birds to have visiting your garden!

Adam Jones said...

Lovely shots as ever Andrew.

i stora drag said...

Lovely shots on the blackbirds! Here in Sweden they stay all winter through in our garden.
Thanks for your comment! :)
Greetings Pia

Stewart M said...

I really like these birds - they have been introduced here and they are trying to build a nest in our garden. I just wish that they would leave the mulch on the garden beds!

The males are clear evidence that you dont need to be dressed like a rainbow to look good.

Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW - Stewart M - Melbourne

Liz said...

It's always a pleasure to visit your blog, Andrew! What a great series of images of the Blackbird you have here.

Pat said...

What a sweet pair of blackbirds!

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