Blackbirds

Where have all the blackbirds gone?
We used to have lots of them visiting our gardens, but they all seem to have disappeared recently.

We see quite a few.  However we used to see small flocks of gold finches and other colourful birds, but now even the sparrows are in decline.

There were two together this morning, both males, getting along perfectly

If you live in an area that has lots of magpies and crows like I do, then I think the decline in other birds will be because of that. They attack nests, eat the eggs and possibly even the young of other birds.

Someone I know once said to me that if I shot magpies and crows, I'd be surprised how soon other species of bird would be seen in the garden again. I've never put that to the test but feel he could be right. Cats may also have something to do with the decline.

I think if you do a google on bird life in UK you'll find it is declining overall - I remember seeing a doco some time back - something to do with hedge removals in the country and climate change no doubt!

There has been plenty Blackbirds in my garden this year along with Goldfinch and Siskins and far too many Wood-Pigeon and Doves but I have noticed the Hawks have been very busy.

I remember all the Sparrows we had in our garden when I was growing up. Also the scores of Starlings settling on the lawn at a certain time of year. We don't see any of that now. We see a male and female blackbird hopping around sometimes.

We are in the countryside surrounded by green fields and usually have lots of birds visiting and several blackbirds living in the surrounding gardens, they were here in the Spring but are now AWOL.

Plenty to eat elsewhere this time of year.

Yes plenty to eat and yet people keep putting nuts and food out for them--I can understand in a bad winter but not all through the summer.

Well, cross my heart, after agreeing that Blackbirds are in short supply around here too, there were six of them foraging for food on the lawn this morning!

Still plenty of Blackbirds here in the Borderland. Wood Pigeon, Robins, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Peregrine Falcon even come into the garden. Mind you, we do live next to a pretty heavy wooded area which may have a lot to do with it all.

We get a couple in the garden now and then,love to see the birds.

Plenty of tits round my area

Yeh! I am on about the Dickie Birds though Jimmy.