Bird ID?

[PeterD]

These photographs were taken yesterday at Godshill, New Forest.

This bird was approximately the size of a blackbird. I have included two images to assist in ID. The most notable feature, which has not helped me with the ID, is the dark flight feathers on a brown speckled body plumage.





The bird below was approx the size of a sparrow



Thanks

PeterD

[owlmomma]

Juvenile blackbird

[shutterbox]

Yes Owlmomma's right i have a garden full af them this year.__JIM

[aeshna5]

Yes, first bird is a juv Blackbird + the smaller bird is a juv Robin.

[PeterD]

Thanks owlmomma, shutterbox, aeshna5.

PeterD

[GME]

Agree - I have a few juvenile robins (same as your bottom pic) at the moment around the garden. They're so cute

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by GME

Agree - I have a few juvenile robins (same as your bottom pic) at the moment around the garden. They're so cute

Thanks. Its strange how different the birds are in their juvenile plumage. Then again, I am showing my lack of experience.

I note that the Magpies are hunting for nests. They have destroyed three in the eaves of my bungalow but luckily AFTER the young had flown

Cheers

PeterD

[Mark Hope]

Rather unusual for a Magpie to bother with a nest when there's nothing in it - are you certain the birds (?House Martins) weren't on to their second brood?

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by Mark Hope

Rather unusual for a Magpie to bother with a nest when there's nothing in it - are you certain the birds (?House Martins) weren't on to their second brood?

Mark,

In some ways I wish you had not made me think too much about it but, as I saw no evidence on the drive other than nesting material I had assumed (no hoped) that the nests were unoccupied.

I did see a magpie on the ground near the nest site looking up and appearing to listen for signs of life. Now, on reflection, I fear you may be correct. What a shame.

About 10 years ago we had a tabby cat that seemed fearless. He climbed a tree in which Magpies had nested next to our bungalow. Despite being called down by me and buzzed by the Magpies which were making a fearful din, he raided the nest and got away with it. I remember feeling sorry for the Magpies but now I am not too sure if I should. The cat probly saved the lives of a few young birds.

PeterD