Blackbirds

[matt1234]

Hi there

I usually have at least one pair of blackbirds nesting in a bush at the end of my garden. I do understand that they only live for three years or so but i constantly have blackbirds in my garden - probably different ones each year.

I have only noticed one female so far this year and her beak is not all that yellow - any reason for this. There is two males knocking around but i have not seen the female starting nest building yet - is this normal as most others have said blackbirds have already started nesting!

The blackbirds raised at least one successful brood last year as i seen all 4 chicks in my garden - no sign of them this year though - as i type the male is in the garden!

What is the latest she will start nest building? I ask as the female has had nests predated before and then tries again in other near by bushes or a different part of the bush - but each takes quite some time to build so i hope she does build a nest this year.

Is there anything i can do to assist her in the nest building - water, moss in the garden etc?

Thanks for the advice and would be good to hear any other people who have blackbirds.

Cheers

[nightshade]

It is obviously a desirable spot, so I would not worry about it. Live mealworms are probably the best food to offer along with a birdbath

[actionfinch]

Intriging birds... i have a few around the garden myself.. im sure its a pair...but then i see the youngsters from last year here as well... i even have a male on the window feeder....
The females beak is not as bright as the males, if yellow at all....
They seem to be beating the robins into the garden first thing in the morning as soos as i put out the food.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by matt1234

I have only noticed one female so far this year and her beak is not all that yellow - any reason for this.

The bill varies considerably between individuals from almost a dark pinkish/brown to a dull yellow. I had a female this morning with a very dark brown bill. Also age can make a differnce to bill colour, especially in males which tend to develop a brighter bill with age (in 1st year).

Originally Posted by matt1234

There is two males knocking around but i have not seen the female starting nest building yet - is this normal as most others have said blackbirds have already started nesting!

They will start to nest in February if it is a warm spring, but generally start March into April depending on where you are in Britain, (later further North). They will breed right through until July and rear between 2-3 broods if successfull. I would'nt worry too much about early nests being damaged this is often the case as the foliage on bushes/trees etc is not well established early on. Later broods tend to be more successful in this respect.

Originally Posted by matt1234

The blackbirds raised at least one successful brood last year as i seen all 4 chicks in my garden - no sign of them this year though - as i type the male is in the garden!

You would struggle to recognise last years birds now (unless in the hand) they will look almost the same as adults, males may still have a slightly darker bill. If you look in the wing there may be a brown wash to some of the feathering if first winter males, females would be harder as it is more of a subtle difference.

Originally Posted by matt1234

What is the latest she will start nest building? I ask as the female has had nests predated before and then tries again in other near by bushes or a different part of the bush - but each takes quite some time to build so i hope she does build a nest this year.

They may nest up until July sometimes later on rare occasions. I would think they will build another.

[tumchy]

I love Blackbirds. I've been feeding them, for the last 10 years. (obviously different pairs) I call them Bob and Bessie Blackbird.
They see me in the kitchen and land on the wall at the back door and wait for the goodies, they love currants.
Sadly, the first nest this year has been got at by my new neighbour's cat. I wrote about it in another thread.

These pics are the current Bob and Bessie.

[matt1234]

Thanks for the replies - really appreciate them.

On closer inspection it is definitley a female blackbird that is back in and around the garden - feeds regularly and is seen on the fence and taking food under cover of bushes.

What i have noticed today though was two MALES walking quickly over the ground near each other. They then end up flying upwards together or at one another and then back to the ground. They move quickly along the ground then come to a stop. What behaviour is this and is it common?

There is about 4 males around the garden with them all chasing eachother - not sure if it is the same one chsing other off. Strange that i have only identified 1 female - how large is a pairs area ie/ 4 gardens that surround eachother or is it done on number of other blackbirds in area?

Hope nest building begins soon as they are great to watch at work!

[nightshade]

It sounds like a territorial beating of the bounds

[matt1234]

Just noticed the female gathering nesting material from my garden! Closely followed by the male when she takes it to the nest site. He flies up on the fence to oversee it all.

He is also very busy flying at any other male blackbirds that enter my garden or the surrounding gardens.

I must have been right i that there is only one resident female at present - as all the males seem to ba after her.

Is there anything i can do to assist ner in the nest building - ie, materials etc. Shes was gathering long straw like bits and was wondering whether collecting the moss from my gutters would help and put it nearby? I need to clean them anyway.

Thanks

[htcdude]

Maybe better to leave as is until breeding season finishes? There's probably plenty of material around for them to use so wouldn't worry about helping out, the best thing you can do is leave them to it

Nige

[rossy]

Originally Posted by matt1234

Just noticed the female gathering nesting material from my garden! Closely followed by the male when she takes it to the nest site. He flies up on the fence to oversee it all.

He is also very busy flying at any other male blackbirds that enter my garden or the surrounding gardens.

I must have been right i that there is only one resident female at present - as all the males seem to ba after her.

Is there anything i can do to assist ner in the nest building - ie, materials etc. Shes was gathering long straw like bits and was wondering whether collecting the moss from my gutters would help and put it nearby? I need to clean them anyway.

Thanks

no matt just leave them alone, they dont need any help, and stay well away from the nest, still clear your gutters out though, rossy.