Blackbirds nesting in my garden

The Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a member of the thrush family and a very common bird in the UK. In ecological terms they occupy the same niche in Europe as the American Robin (Turdus migratorious) in the New World. They are found in a variety of habitats but associated with gardens where they breed regularly, sometimes close to houses and in exposed and unusual places. At the moment a pair are breeding as near to my patio doors as they could get. They have been sitting for at least 10 days now so with a usual incubation of around 14 days, it won't be long before we have some newly hatched chicks. Interestingly, I have yet to see the male anywhere near the nest, let alone incubating which is normal, female Blackbirds do all the incubating and brooding. Here she is "doing her stuff". At the moment she hasn't got a care in the world but when the chicks eventually fledge they will have to run the gauntlet of the local domestic cats. Every year the Blackbirds breed and then the local cats pick them off before they have developed the skills needed to escape them. I have lost count of the number of times in the last 25 years that mauled, baby blackbirds have been brought to me by the same neighbour and cat owner who calls herself and animal lover, but thinks it's acceptable to let it happen year after year.

3 responses to “Blackbirds nesting in my garden”

Kathleen

April 27, 2011 at 2:43 pm

Hi there!
Just found your site while looking for info on birds nests!I live in southern Ireland in a semi-d.with a small suburban garden out the back and to my astonishment have found a birds nest in my clematis which covers a rose arch at the moment.I had seen birds very busy in the last few weeks swooping down and gathering twigs and bits from the garden and surmised they were building their nests but I am clueless when it comes to bird types and anything to do with nesting.Anyway this morning I crept up to the arch and saw a bird peeking out of the top of the nest,I presume its Mother watching out so I silently left!What I am wondering is can we go about our usual routine of sitting out,watering,talking etc.while this nesting is going on?I would hate to disturb proceedings,I think its a blackbird and your photos are lovely!When will I know they have had their family and the nest is finished?Would love some feedback please!

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Jennie Rockey

May 20, 2011 at 8:56 pm

Hello,
How on earth did you get the pictures of the blackbird on the nest?? They’re amazing. I have also got a blackbird nesting in the honeysuckle at the bottom of the garden, but unfortunately I frightened her off the nest this evening while I was watering the plants. I’d really value your opinion regarding the likelihood of her coming back, please?
They are used to me being in the garden while they are there, but I think because she was sitting on the nest that I may have just got too close. 😦
Thanks for your time.

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Jeremy Beauregard

September 19, 2011 at 2:01 pm

Ahhh, blackbirds. Those are magnificent birds, don’t you think? We don’t have blackbirds here but we do have ravens, hehe. They come once a year to lay eggs on an oak tree in my backyard. My kids love them but I have to keep on reminding them not to disturb the birds while they’re laying eggs.

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