Stranded baby blackbird in tree

[Marb67]

For some hours in my garden the parents of a young blackbird that seems quite mature are franticly trying to get to it. It's not injured, almost full size and can almost fly. However it has been all day either on the wall, in my garden and now in our small cherry tree where it is now after dark. The parents were feeding it earlier but have now retired as its dark. Some cat was showing interest as the noise of the panicking parents alerted it but I managed to chase it away.

So the bird is in the tree overnight and I am not sure what to do. I will of course keep my eye on it tomorrow if still there but am worried it is stranded. It's a bit chilly and the wind is up a bit.

Can anyone offer advice. Should I try and catch it and put it in the ivy bush where I think it was reared or just leave it ?

[Scarlet]

Leave it he's off the ground (so reasonably safe) and the parents know where he is. I'd just try to keep an eye out for the cat tomorrow.

[Knight of Albion]

No, do not touch it. If it has human scent on it, the parents will abandon it.

The best things you can so are keep an eye out for cats and put down some wet wholemeal bread - for the parents to take to it and feed it with. As soon as it gets its strength up, it will be able to fly independently and avoid dangers.

[WendyC]

I'd agree with the above. It does seem counter intuitive though.

[Nicos]

How did it get on?

[Marb67]

Sorry, been in hospital last 2 days with a very unexpected mild stroke. Today it is still in. The tree with parents going to feed it. It just doesnt want to fly. Not sure what to do other than put wet wholemeal. Bread out.

[Scarlet]

Oh Marb, sorry to hear that. I hope that you feel better soon. Take it easy!
If he's lasted this long I'm sure he will flourish

[scarey55]

Oh no! I hope you are OK, what a shock for you all. Re the bird, the Blackbirds around these parts seem to enjoy soaked raisins and apple pieces, might be worth putting some out for the parents.

Hope you are back to full health very soon.

[jackarmy]

Sorry to disagree but the scent of a human will have no effect whatsoever to the parent birds.
Everything else though is correct, never intefere if possible BUT, if you need to handle it to ensure its safety then the parents will not abandon it, but it would be a last resort .

Also, wholemeal bread is about as much use as normal bread, virtually none.
The parents may eat it themselves but the chicks will be fed purely on worms, bugs etc the natural world knows and understands what is good for their young and unlike us they will only feed fast food as a totally last resort.

[Nannysally99]

I do hope you get well soon Marb

[Nicos]

Best wishes Marb....speedy recovery xx

[Marb67]

Thanks for the messages. Just goes to show being a non smoker, plenty of excercise, good diet and many natural suppliments doesn't guarantee against this sort of thing.

The blackbird is still there and the parents seem to feed it before dusk but I do feel sorry for itsat there for days on end. It must be so bored.

[veggiechicken]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Marb.
I'm sure the blackbird will be fine as the parents are feeding it. Have you seen FB's thread about "his" baby blackbird? http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_73072.html Fascinating reading

[Knight of Albion]

So sorry to hear you've not been well. Get better soon, dear Marb.

Re the baby blackbird: It al sounds fairly normal to me, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Though I would persevere with the soaked wholemeal bread, it will help them build it up.

This is some good advice on baby birds from the RSPCA
We urge