Betty Blackbird

The enchanting tale of our nesting blackbirds unfolds, my dear friends! In early April, we couldn't help but notice the diligent female blackbird diligently gathering her nest-building materials. Now, here's the fascinating part: these feathered architects don't seem to be the least bit bothered about who catches them sneaking into their precious abode.

Soon enough, we had a camera positioned above the nest, eagerly awaiting the grand finale. It was a sight to behold as the female deftly placed each piece, nestling down to shape the nest with utmost care. They even had house inspections from the local mice to monitor progress.

But the excitement didn't stop there, oh no! Our hearts leapt with joy as the female began laying her eggs—one, two, three, four in total, a miraculous feat accomplished over four days, culminating on the memorable date of April 12th. While this was going on the mice showed their hand - their visits were after the eggs, but they just could not get their teeth through the shell! Mr Blackbird did try to keep an overwatch over the eggs but he is only about during the day.

After the last egg egg was laid Betty stayed on the eggs full time with few breaks - Mr Blackbird even came to feed her a few snacks.

Now, prepare to be astonished, my friends, for the magic of incubation unfolded exactly as Google had foretold! Twelve days after the last egg was laid, on April 14th, one precious chick emerged from its fragile shell, greeted by the watchful eyes of both mother and father. They spent the following week dutifully nourishing their fledgling, who, whenever something approached the nest, would lift its head with its mouth agape, revealing a vibrant splash of orange within.

Alas, our hearts sank on the fateful morning of April 30th. Instead of the loving presence of its parents, a mischievous magpie appeared, snatching the brave little chick away. The audacious thief even returned to claim one of the unhatched eggs. Oh, the treachery of those cunning magpies and crows! They lurk on nearby rooftops, keeping a vigilant eye during spring, scouring for nests and unsuspecting fledglings. They prowl along the edges of garden borders, ever watchful, targeting those vulnerable young souls. It seems they had observed the parents dutifully entering the nest to feed their offspring and seized the opportunity for a feast.

Poor mum and dad returned, utterly perplexed. They seemed to accept their loss with a heavy heart and moved on, seeking solace in the creation of new nests near our garden.

But fear not, for there is a glimmer of hope amidst this tale of woe! Later that year, our spirits soared as we witnessed the devoted blackbird parents diligently feeding at least one young fledgling in our beloved garden.