we're having babies!

[Two_Sheds]

After watching & feeding "our" blackbirds for 9 months now, we (well, I) was really hoping to have some nesting action in our front garden.

We have several males and several females, and they get through a pound of sultanas a week I reckon. But, the males chase everyone away and don't seem at all interested in the females.
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Well, Mr Sheds just came running through to the kitchen to say that Female is jumping into the bush (Camellia) with a load of grass.

Sure enough, she's got beakfuls of dried grass, guinea-pig hay and hanging-basket liner. So much in fact, that she can't see where she's going, and keeps overshooting the Camellia and missing.

well, you have to be there

[Sweepster]

And what is Mr Blackbird doing to contribute? Sitting on a branch saying, 'You're not doing that right,' no doubt.

[Alice]

Oh you'll get Blackie chicks allright Two Sheds. Yes, they are funny and will sometomes try to make nests in the most stupid places - on top of the clothes props
Sometimes the same pair will make two or three nests before deciding which one to use. Fussy
I never thought of giving them sultanas - I just buy grapes for them, they just love them . Must check out the price

[Raindancer411]

Congrats Two Sheds We got some nests in our garden this year, one was built by the blackbirds but the thrush who is nesting shared them off. She/He seems to body slam the other bigger birds in the garden.

[Two_Sheds]

And what is Mr Blackbird doing to contribute?

Well so far, not much. I can't even tell if the Mister who 'owns' the front garden is the mate, because he isn't showing any interest in nesting, or the females.

She is still energetically nesting though, I wish I could get a photo of her with a bunch of hay bigger than herself.

[Two_Sheds]

I never thought of giving them sultanas -

I use Tesco Value sultanas, soaked in water. I keep a handful on the windowsill all the time, and they fly down when they hear the back door open, or sit on the fence waiting for me to come home.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Saw my first blackbird baby at the new house yesterday, being fed by its dad. It was looking quite grown up but still had a stubby little tail. Absolutely gorgeous!

[Sweepster]

She is still energetically nesting though, I wish I could get a photo of her with a bunch of hay bigger than herself.

Ooh that would be a great picture... I'm usually too slow for those 'wildlife photographer of the year' moments or one of the cats will come and stick its bum in front of the lens at the crucial moment

[Nicos]

Aww...that's lovely to hear about..fingers crossed you manage to get a photo!!!!

[rustylady]

My little lady has eggs (at least two) in the nest in the passionflower.

[Fernw]

Would love to see photos if you get any. We get blackbirds nesting but they nest so high up in the hedge I haven't managed to see any of the babies unfortunately.