Blackbird fly

Blackbird

Spring time has proven particularly vivid this year as a nest appeared in very quick time, fully formed on the top of our outside coat rack. One day I looked over near the back door and there it was. On closer inspection a bird was observed to come and rest on the nest, but often flitted off by the time I had gone and got my camera.

I was able to hold the camera up high and take pictures of the development in the nest. Tiny, embryonic, skinless creatures lay together. Four of them with big black spots for eyes.

I was able to track their progress as they reached their open beaks up looking for food when the camera appeared. No I am not your mother(!)

Gradually their heads appeared above the nest. Ever vigilant, waiting for mother and father.

I will admit I was slightly anxious about how they would survive. They were in quite an exposed position and there were four of them to manage. Would mother and father find enough food? Would they cohabitate in this small nest? Would they fall out of the nest and then what?

As of yesterday they had made test flights and seem very close to flying the coop.

It is the season of birthing.

I have seen other young birds and their parents. It is a joyous time, but fraught with dangers. Mother and father duck on a jaunt with their many babies. Would one lose its way?

In my message on Sunday I advocated getting out for a walk, breathing in, feeling the spring air and hearing the bird song.(Not everyone is thrilled about bird song, especially first thing in the morning.)

By the way I have since been put right on the identity of the bird on ‘our’ nest. As the young developed as brown and speckled I assumed they were starlings, but on closer inspection they are blackbirds.