Why are there suddenly no blackbirds visiting our garden?

We have sparrows, robins, tits, doves, wood pigeon and other corvids, magpies and carrion crow, but no black birds - which is unusual.

I have heard that blackbirds have been affected by a disease - is this true? How widespread and can we expect to see a recovery of the population soon?

What can I do to encourage this?

  • The unseasonable mild weather is playing a big part. Might not be entire story, but that and the poor breeding season of species like blackbirds due to heatwave & drought are major factors IMO. Garden here is full of blackbirds and thrushes due to loads of apples and berries.