Fascinating blackbird fledgling

[werdnal]

Been awaiting the fledging of a blackbird family who have nested in the pyracantha growing up the front of our house. The parents have been very attentive and managing to find an abundance of worms and other goodies despite the very dry weather. The youngsters were very noisy yesterday and we thought they might go then, but all safely tucked up together this morning when I checked on my way out.

This afternoon though, I noticed a lot of noise from the parents when a magpie visited the garden, and when I checked the nest, all the youngsters were gone . Then I could here them calling at various places in the garden, so realised the magpie's presence was all that the parents were shouting at and he hadn't actually caused any harm.

One of the fledglings decided to hide behind a large plant tub right outside our door, so I've been monitoring him to make sure he wasn't discovered by anything. The male blackbird was still dutifully feeding him regularly, as well as looking after the others, who were higher up in the pyracantha, so probably a little safer.

We have just been outside, and the fledgling must be able to sense that its getting dark, and instinct is telling him to get higher for a safer roost. He wandered back and forth infront of the house, trying to find a way up. It was fascinating to watch him trying to work it out. He had a couple goes, overstretching himself and missing the next branch before tumbling back down again. It was so tempting to try and help, although we know we mustn't - my son and I sat there willing him to get up out of harms way. He got up to about 6ft from the ground, just outside our sitting room window, and the adult male was still visiting feeding him. We thought that was enough excitement for one little bird for one day, and he would settle down to roost there - but no, we just saw the male come to feed him again, and he launched himself off across the garden after his dad! I rushed out to make sure he'd come to no harm, to see him literally climbing the Shumac (sp?) tree in our garden. He has plenty of height there and should have good cover for his night-time roost. I hope he makes it. Such a plucky little thing and a great treat to see the natural survival instincts kicking in.

[Pipa]

they look so vulnerable don't they its hard to stop yourself from lending a helping hand, i hope they make it,