Half beak Blackbird

barquar · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 04:44 PM

I have a blackbird coming to my Garden last year and this year. He has survived the very bad weather we have just had.He has the top half of his beak missing leaving his beak slightly open and one wing hanging down just a we bit.
He as been coming in the garden for food and still going good on him.
Barquar

Farplace · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 04:48 PM

He obviously knows you will feed him... I wonder what happened to him? I take it he can still fly, even though his wing droops a bit?

solus · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 04:50 PM

The BTO have just begun a survey on beak deformities! They will no doubt be interested to learn about your Blackbird.

Big Garden Beak Watch | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

You can take part online.

Kreacha · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 04:50 PM

Do you think he was born like that or had an accident?

tameblackbirds · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 04:53 PM

I too had a Blackbird that returned to me after 12 months later. Distinctive black mottle on beak. Knew it was him as he flew straight to my back door and waited for me to come out to feed him. Not returned this winter though

barquar · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 05:05 PM

I think he has had an accident at sometime, I also think he raised a nest of chicks last year as he had loads of nesting material in his beak even though he has some of his top beak missing.
Barquar