. In the winter months of this year he/she was joined by one or two from the continent, other birds of the same species which had escaped the cold temperatures of continental Europe. I expect these again this winter. I can feel that it is going to be another severe winter
Female Blackbird, Turdus merula,
We don't see much of Blackbirds during the rest of the year. At least not here. One male (at least) lives in the trees which border the greenery of the council estate and the houses below. He often tries taking seeds from the garden whenever I am not in the kitchen. If he can persuade one of these females to stay for the summer next spring, I don't know. I hope so; because I love juvenile Blackbirds.
Male Blackbird
Here he is; or is it? how can we be sure it is our local Blackbird? We cannot!Redwing, Turdus pilaris,
I spotted this Redwing in the Hawthorn behind our garden, at the end of last month. They might be our smalles Thrush, but I think they are one of our most attractive birds. I had to take these photos through two fat fences which stand between us and the school next door.At this time of year, trees like Hawthorn, Rowan and Holly, among others, offer natural food to these birds to help them survive these cold months. Other Thrushes which you may encounter in your garden, (especially if you got apple trees with a few apples on the ground) include Fieldfare)
On the day I took this picture, I wanted to get to the other Hawthorns on the council estate. Snow and ice kept me locked inside my house and garden however. For quite some time. Which caused me to get very claustrophobic. Just not being able to get out of the gate!
Robin. Erithacus rubecula
Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba
Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus
Great Tit, Parus major.
The snow messed me about a bit too, well done, nice shots.
ReplyDeleteI was told once that if a male blackbird has its yellow eye ring in the winter months in the UK, it is a UK bird (as opposed to European ones) as they head into breeding and territorial behaviour sooner than the European ones, which have to fly home first. Whether that's true or not, is something I've never managed to prove. Nice theory though.
ReplyDeleteI think we all got messed up with the snow, Mike. And we are getting another dip next week too.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I like that theory and you shuold have asked the Autumnwatch team to see if they can find any answers. For the moment, I hold it as very plausible.
Wonderful shots Yoke.
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