We have had blackbirds nesting a mahonia bush for the last couple of weeks, and the chicks hatched about a week ago. Both parents were doing a good job of collecting food and keeping them well fed. However, we have come home today to find all 3 chicks dead on the lawn just near the bush. They are too far away to have just fallen out of the nest. What has happened? I am sure it is not a cat as the nest was really well hidden. We have seen a magpie hanging around but wouldn't it have eaten the chicks? They were all very plump and unmarked except for what looked like a tiny hole (pecked?) on each one which makes me wonder if the nest had been raided, but why just throw them out of the nest? We are so disappointed, were really looking forward to seeing them fledge.
Unknown said: Hi Morky, I've just got back from the boozer, so I beg forgiveness for any "alcohol fuelled" typos or other errors in this.........................................................Oh yeah, there I was!.................... Post. .....................I just thought I'd have a "mooch around" before bedtime. This must be the cyberspace equivalent to putting the chip pan on! I think the bottom line is: Don't take anything on face value. For instance: The thickness of the "broken stems and branches" you mention might even suggest (although I hope not) Human interference, as birds are really very light, and are (apart from obvious, large exeptions) incapable of breaking "branches". Cats might do so in the process of climbing, but not, I think, deliberately as a means of access to the nest. As for this pair returning for a new breeding attempt in your garden, only time will tell. But good territories are hard to come by for common birds, so it makes little sense to abandon one, regardless of the presence of predators, in one guise or another http://www.jstor.org/pss/3566065. it's also important to remember that as much as we humans attempt to impose our rules upon it, "Nature", in all it's glorious amorality doesn't give a toss, and, generally speaking, individuals don't matter one jot! It's populations that make the difference! Predators harm individuals, not populations. No evidence exists to support claims that Magpies, or any other native predators have negative, long term effects on "songbird" populations. There are, of course, certain organisations which attempt to implicate native predators in the unfortunate declines in some species' populations. They are nothing less than charlatans, with badly hidden agendas, and vested interests in the destruction of said species. Although very much in the minority, these people make a lot of (albeit senseless) noise, and are supported by the self titled "quality" press. I urge you, and all the members of this community, not to fall for their lies, and to look to the RSPB and BTO for reliable, trustworthy data on this most complex of issues. Many thanks for your kind comments, MC:-) Right, time for bed!
Hi Morky,
I've just got back from the boozer, so I beg forgiveness for any "alcohol fuelled" typos or other errors in this.........................................................Oh yeah, there I was!.................... Post. .....................I just thought I'd have a "mooch around" before bedtime. This must be the cyberspace equivalent to putting the chip pan on!
I think the bottom line is: Don't take anything on face value. For instance: The thickness of the "broken stems and branches" you mention might even suggest (although I hope not) Human interference, as birds are really very light, and are (apart from obvious, large exeptions) incapable of breaking "branches". Cats might do so in the process of climbing, but not, I think, deliberately as a means of access to the nest.
As for this pair returning for a new breeding attempt in your garden, only time will tell. But good territories are hard to come by for common birds, so it makes little sense to abandon one, regardless of the presence of predators, in one guise or another http://www.jstor.org/pss/3566065. it's also important to remember that as much as we humans attempt to impose our rules upon it, "Nature", in all it's glorious amorality doesn't give a toss, and, generally speaking, individuals don't matter one jot! It's populations that make the difference! Predators harm individuals, not populations. No evidence exists to support claims that Magpies, or any other native predators have negative, long term effects on "songbird" populations.
There are, of course, certain organisations which attempt to implicate native predators in the unfortunate declines in some species' populations. They are nothing less than charlatans, with badly hidden agendas, and vested interests in the destruction of said species. Although very much in the minority, these people make a lot of (albeit senseless) noise, and are supported by the self titled "quality" press. I urge you, and all the members of this community, not to fall for their lies, and to look to the RSPB and BTO for reliable, trustworthy data on this most complex of issues.
Many thanks for your kind comments,
MC:-)
Right, time for bed!
Oooh Micky your new avatar is scary ....................
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Thanks all,
Yes, I understand people's emotions completely, and I take no pleasure in the death of any living being. But what angers me is when the aforementioned "vested interests" attempt to exploit the feelings of good, well meaning people, such as Morky (whom I sincerely hope doesn't mind being referred to as such) to garner support for their crackpot aims. This is how all extremists work. As someone once said: "we are all entitled to our prejudices, it's when we act on them that we become dangerous!". When folk know the truth of how ecosystems function, they can no longer be duped by these liars. This is why I try to help people to understand the issue at every opportunity. The truth not only helps our wildlife, it helps people as well, because with this understanding comes an even greater appreciation of our natural heritage.
Cheers all,
Sorry about the "scary" avatar Judi, it's only captain Bob!
I've never heard of Bob being described as "scary" before, was enjoying Bob today actually thanks to my my vinyl along with fela kuti with Ginger baker on drums, Always seems better from the vinyl some how. Anyway RIP Bob.
Hi Kristle,
And Fela Kuti of course.