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Hi there
In the last month or so I have got a regular 'tame' Mr and Mrs Blackbird.
Mrs Blackbird comes right up to the patio door and, and then flies up to sit on one of the higher branches of the Hawthorn Tree that we have to get a better view into the house. She does everything to get my attention fro her mealworms
On the other hand Mr Blackbird, he seems to be happy to let me walk right up to him (while I talk to him), and I have managed to a few pictures of him. He was grubbing amongst the leaves for some tit bits. I was only feet away from him.
I am so disappointed about the last picture show here. It would have been a superb shot if i had all of Mr blackbirds head - dash it. {sad}
Also the battery went flat as I tried to get a better (last picture) of Mr Blackbird. (sigh)
The picture that got away.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Kathy, I have enjoyed seeing your favourite Mr. Blackbird. My brother has a tame pair but in his case, it is Mrs. Blackbird who is the friendliest.
Hi Blackbird,
What a shame about the last photo and Mr. Blackbird's head, and then the flat battery. I would have uttered some rude words had it been me! They must really trust you to let you get so close with a camera. I have noticed that blackbirds seem to freeze if they are approached, almost like the proverbial rabbit in the headlights, but then mine fly away. I have just one pair at the moment, and I don't think they are the same 2 who were here in the summer. The summer ones were less afraid for some reason. Do you put their mealworms in a ground feeder so they know where to wait for you?
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
It's interesting to read that your blackbirds are letting you get close to them. Mine don't do that (yet!). We see three regularly, they were the first to turn up this autumn but on Sunday afternoon there were about ten in the cotoneaster feasting on the berries. They were very nervous, flying off at the slightest thing but they kept coming back so they must have been tasty berries! The bush is pretty bare now and the birds have moved on but we still see the three regulars. I have posted some pics of them previously but taken from a distance. I look forward to getting closer as you are doing.
There is something new to learn everyday...
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Hi Sparrow
First, thank you for your kind replies about my pictures everyone.
Yes, I put out the Mealworms in the ground feeders and that is what the Blackbirds are after along with a piece of apple core or two.
SB: Without sounding silly I find talking to Blackbirds allows you to get closer to them anywhere. I start by taking a picture at a distance, take two slow steps towards the bird, then take another picture, and another two steps until Mr Blackbird looks uncomfortable with me being too close, then I do not push it anymore. Talking to Blackbirds seen to sooth them from flying off in a frenzy 'chinking' like mad.
No doubt Mr and Mrs Blackbird will be around tomorrow, as I change the water and add mealworms to the food dishes.
Lol! I talk to all 'my' birds in the garden!
Great pics Blackbird! I totally empathise with the flat batteries! I always carry spare sets but of course it takes time to change them! Very frustrating!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Nice one Blackbird, Are we sure their not the rare melanistic Whitebird. soz. Great thread Blackbird! but I will not be openly admitting to talking to birds, not even for a better picture :-)
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi John Thank you for your reply I think I must be a Blackbird whisperer LOL, as they seem to like me talking to them. I have seen the same bird outside my front window along with the Sparrows this morning so he has clocked onto the foodstuff there. All the better for another picture or two if the timing is right Talking to birds gives a chance to get closer to all birds too. No element of surprise to scare them off. Need to work out how to turn the flash of on our camera as it causes the shiny glint in Mr Blackbirds eye in the last set of pictures. Regards
hi MarJus
Thank you for your reply
Good another Bird whisperer LOL.
I agree with the battery senario (thumbs up} I thought if the battery l had lasted for another two pictures, I would not have had a headless Blackbird picture.
The batteries are charged up again, but may as well as we need the camera for our trip this weekend,
We should form a bird whispering club! I talk to mine all the time, and why not? We talk to our domestic pets, so why not our wild ones!
Another couple of Mr blackbird pictures form the same bird today, and he allowed me close to him once more. The light is a lot more difficult to work with today. It was semi dark and overcast with grey clouds all day.
Mr Blackbird was hiding in a dark corner of the garden too. At least it gives me practice