Thrush flight behaviour?

Have you considered that there may be local influences which have affected the localised behaviour you are observing? Perhaps a raptor looking out, which you have yet to observe? Certainly modifies the actions of smaller birds. I have observed multiple blackbirds giving chase to/mobbing a goshawk. The blackbirds (in that instance) were definitely exhibiting direct and fast flight. But perhaps un-prey like.

In reply to tuwit:

That’s also what I thought might be occurring. We do have plenty of sparrowhawks around here and the blackbirds go mental at the sight of one. I’ll have a look next time this happens for any predators

This may be migrant birds arriving to escape harsher weather in other areas and sussing out the food situation before settling in an area

Pete

Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

Along with the other possible reasons, as well as a raptor, there could be a cat lurking close by giving the blackbirds cause for concern.

Mike

Flickr Peak Rambler

We managed to get out to our local reserve yesterday afternoon for the last hour or so of daylight and we noticed that the Thrushe,mainly Redwings, were performing in a similar manner to what Ellis has described. Considering the light was fading and remembering what a friend from a local ringing group told us about Redwings being one of the first birds to go to roost we thought maybe that maybe that could explain their behaviour. Maybe they were making sure the roost area was safe for the night. Not sure if this explains Ellis's problem but I thought it was worth a mention.

Pete

Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

In reply to Seaman:

That’s great that you noticed what I was on about. I stood at sunset with my binoculars today and saw a flock of about 50 going to roost

In reply to Mike B:

There are a few cats around my estate, one of them is especially nasty

In reply to ellis187:

ellis187 said:

one of them is especially nasty

"Parenting" issues probably. Sad, and increasingly common.

Very glad you're not alone re the thrush flight behaviour. Very interesting that.

Dave 

In reply to Dave - CH:

Dave - CH said:

ellis187 said:

one of them is especially nasty

"Parenting" issues probably. Sad, and increasingly common.

Very glad you're not alone re the thrush flight behaviour. Very interesting that.

Dave 

Or even feral.

I've seen cats that folk have taken in and they just don't want to know human contact.

Mike

Flickr Peak Rambler

In reply to Mike B:

Cats, as I'm sure you know Mike, are complicated.

Their socialization period (the crucial one) occurs by many accounts quite early in their lives. Miss it, and you'll always be able to tell whenever you're around the animal.

Unfortunately, like masks these last 20 months or so, cats are far too easily disposable for our or their own good.

Dave