Well, my baby Blackbirds have fledged... look!!!
All gone!
I can hear them in a nearby hedge and mum and dad are still feeding them. Not spotted any yet (but I am meant to be indoors doing the housework today!!) Will try to get a shot or two soon.
My cat was out earlier - she does catch the occasional mouse/shrew but has never bothered with birds (thank heavens) Anyway, she must have gone too close to where a fledgling was because the mother Blackbird dive-bombed her and she came rushing in all scared!!
And a Blackbird question... Do male BBs display? I've just seen the dad male doing a funny dance - head down, hopping round in a tight circle flapping his wings. Nver seen that before.
Any ideas please?
Thanks
Pipit x
Unknown said: And a Blackbird question... Do male BBs display? I've just seen the dad male doing a funny dance - head down, hopping round in a tight circle flapping his wings. Never seen that before. Any ideas please? Thanks Pipit x
And a Blackbird question... Do male BBs display? I've just seen the dad male doing a funny dance - head down, hopping round in a tight circle flapping his wings. Never seen that before.
Sorry to bring this to the top again but no-one has answered my question and I’m still curious to know...
Never seen that, Pipit, so can't help you but birds do have some strange rituals. At least I've brought it to the top of the stack so someone more expert than me might see it.
TJ
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Hi Pipit,
I missed this thread first time round.
I don't know the answer either. I just see them with their tails cocked up very high and splayed out a bit, usually on a shed roof or similar, singing away.
I hope your blackie babies are more noticeable now, and that your moggie is recovered from his shock!!!
Cheers, Linda.
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Susan H said: Hi Pipit, I hope your blackie babies are more noticeable now, and that your moggie is recovered from his shock!!!
Hi Sparrow
No sign yet, except a quivering hedge!
Poor moggie, it get worse! See my latest post on 'Blackbird Babies at Last'
P xx
Depending on what else was around, your Mr B might have been adopting a defensive pose ready to see off any competition for food, or threat to his youngsters. I often see our Mr Bs crouched down, beak open, ready to chase the starlings (and other Bs!) off the sultana pile.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Thanks Maisie
That sounds very likely! They are amazing parents and drive off anything that comes near their fledglings (which are still hidden in the hedge) including my cat!!
He did look funny though, doing his little dance
Pipit
Hi Pipit.
Sorry, I must have missed this.....
I have a pair of Blackbirds visiting my window feeder regularly and have had a lot of amusement watching their antics.
There are a few big bushes outside my window and the male regularly sits on the top branch with tail cocked high and seemingly displaying to other males - keep away!
I have only seen him do the circle dance once - a few months ago - and I reckon that may have been a territorial warning or a display dance to entice the females. Or both?
I guess it must have worked - he got married!
Unfortunately, I have net curtains up and if I try to photograph them they just fly off.
One other thing - they and the resident Robin sometimes tap at my window. At first I thought it was a reflection thing - but I noticed it always coincided with there being no food left in the feeder!
They must think I'm Gordon Ramsey with the F word being FOOD!
LOL!
Best wishes, Graham
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Unknown said: I have only seen him do the circle dance once - a few months ago - and I reckon that may have been a territorial warning or a display dance to entice the females. Or both? Best wishes, Graham
Hey Graham
Great that you saw that little dance too. I often see the tail cocking and posturing, as I have one feisty male Blackbird, but I'd never seen the circling. I think it must be a territorial warning in this case - as he would never dare entice other females with his present equally if not more feisty female companion. You should see her dive bomb my cat!!!
Thanks G
Pip x