Baby Blackbird

[Tara]

A baby blackbird is in my backyard, presumably fallen from the nest nearby. He has been there about 4 days. Both the mother and father come to feed him.

I am having a problem with cats, and can't get him back to the nest, which quite high up.

He has all his feathers, but his tail is pretty short. Has anyone any idea how long it will be before he can fly?

Ann

[wildliferescuer]

When birds such as this first fledge it is normal for them to spend several days mainly on the ground or in low bushes while they build up their wing muscles ready for proper flight. As long as it is being fed then it should be left alone & if it has been there for 4 days already, I wouldn't think it will be there for many more days before it starts to venture further afield.

[Tara]

Thank you for your reply. Would it stand a better chance (against the cats) if I opened the yard gate and it could go under some ivy near the tree with the nest

[wildliferescuer]

I think that would probably be best. Most important thing is to try to keep all cats away from the area. If they are your cats, keep them indoors, if your neighbours have cats ask them if they will do the same.

[Tara]

They are neighbours cats, mine are all housecats. I will do that. thank you so much

[dragonfly]

hya dont try to place back in nest as they leave before they can fly remove the cat if you can the birds will go ina aday or so

[Tara]

Luckily I didn't try to put him in the nest. I opened the back gate and went inside to watch from the window. It was beautiful. Straight away the father bird came down to baby and after a moment flew back. The little one then hopped to the steps leading to the garden and up the steps. He hesitated there, and I went out and he wentg across the pathway to the grass. He became excited and started to chirp. Father called to him and he hopped out of sight under the ivy bushes. Hooray! Freedom!

Last night the father sang properly for the first time, just for a short time.