Poor young Blackbird

[Catherine]

We have many Blackbirds visiting the garden - at least 2 males and 3 females. There were a couple of fledglings some weeks ago, but they were found dead in next door's garden a few days later - killed by Magpies.

After also witnessing Magpies raid Blackbirds' nests and steal the eggs, I thought we'd no chance of there being any young Blackbirds around. Yesterday I was surprised to see this one in a flower bed though. I was pleased as I thought he'd escaped the Magpies' beaks.

However, I think I was wrong. Check the second photo.

The little bird was very tame and I offered him some food which he gladly accepted. He was too timid for me to lift him to take him to a vet though. I just hope that the wound is not infected and that he'll survive!

[rolf]

That's a shame Catherine, let's hope he recovers.

[Chocky]

Very sad. I didn't realize Magpies did that
Hope he survives and gets better

[ladylouise62]

Aah, poor little thing. Crossed fingers that he does survive.

[Babs]

poor little thing hope all is well

[rolf]

Adding to this subject, here's a damaged Female who is busily getting on with feeding her brood, despite losing her tail feathers.

[Chocky]

OOh dear . Poor little bird
Hope her tail grows back again she will need id to fly properly

[ladylouise62]

Goodness, doesn't she look unbalanced... it didn't stop her getting a real beakful, though!

[rolf]

She seems to fly quite well.

[Chocky]

Yes she will fly ok but she has no brakes

[Catherine]

We've got a male in the same state.

Would it have been cause by a predator trying to catch it, or would it just be part of moulting?

[rolf]

I'd guess at a cat.