group hugs for birds

[greenace233]

Hi everyone

im still very new this bird watching so this sight just made me stand back and smile. I was out working at a large house miles from nowhere. Lots of birds singing away so my client took me in her back garden. On her lawn a puddle had developed under a large tree. This is where she feeds the birds. There i saw a pair of mallards with their 14 5/6 day old ducklings. Various small birds and there amongst them 2 crows and a magpie all happily drinking and eating together. Is this normal because in my back garden if a crow or magpie is near the birds particularly the robins and blackbirds go absolutely mad. But in this country garden they all seemed to be at ease with each other. Im confused ??? Any thoughts from anyone thanks debbie

[astarsdad]

Hi Debbie,

Assuming the crow is a carrion crow...both of them (magpie and crow) are opportunists. I would think it very likely that if a young mallard strays far enough from its parent they would have it.

Terry

[greenace233]

Hi terry

Thank you for that. You seem to be very clued up on these things. I still feel i have so so much to learn. one more question for you. Why have my two resident blackbirds built a new nest next to the old one. Seems like making hard work for themselves. debbie

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by greenace233

Hi terry

Thank you for that. You seem to be very clued up on these things. I still feel i have so so much to learn. one more question for you. Why have my two resident blackbirds built a new nest next to the old one. Seems like making hard work for themselves. debbie

They may well move back to the old one for a third brood. They often do this (whether its instinctive I'm not sure) as parasites can build up in a nest while its full of chicks and then can be a real problem for subsequent broods. However these birds may not achieve the benefit of a new nest if its actually right next to the old one as most parasites will be able to move (however, it may be that there are limited suitable sites in the areas?)

[greenace233]

Hi terry

Hadnt considered parasites, just the usual predators etc. I seem to be learning new things each day. Its wonderful this time of year. thank you very much. Debbie