Dead blackbird babies

[Denniss]

Hello, we are new to the site but have had a traumatic morning. We had a late pair of nesting blackbirds in our oak tree. All was well till last night when there was a terrible commotion for around half an hour. Mum and Dad blackbird were very distressed and in our naivety we thought they were having a domestic!! This morning we made the grim discovery of 3 babies dead on the ground, we took a look at the nest from a ladder and could see one more dead baby in the nest. After watching mum and dad for a while we discovered a live baby on the ground. It was hiding around the base of the tree but they could not seem to get to it. After one attempt at putting it back in the nest by my husband, we then found it on the ground again. Mum and Dad are still trying to feed, it is walking (well jumping really) around so we have left well alone now. Obviously it's chances on the ground are not great but we're not sure what else to do! Does anyone know how long after walking they fledge?? And does anyone know what would attack these poor little things?? We have lots of birds in the garden, and there has been a rather scraggy looking other male blackbird around for a day or two?? Any advice on what to do would be great as we are new to all this. Many thanks.

[Lance Morgan]

My guess from what you describe is a Grey Squirrel attack or cat. If it can't walk it is unlikely to survive. They can fly when they leave the nest but only for short distances. There is not much you can do really except put the bird in cover somewhere and hope the parernts will feed it.

[Denniss]

Thanks Lance. We are just watching from the house now, the bird is under cover of shrubs so keeping fingers crossed for a survivor!