The Blackbird Sings
In this newsletter:
My garden this week - Blackbirds, Rooks, Blue Tits
Nestbox envy
Tip of the week - Preventing window strikes
Podcast Recommendation: Get Birding
The Casual Birder Podcast - Latest episode
Suzy’s Bird Notes
I posted the photo of the Wood Pigeon pair from last week's newsletter in the Self-Isolating Bird Group on Facebook and it got over 2000 likes! Wow!
I am delighted so many people were able to enjoy the image.
First bird of the month - March
The 1st March was a misty, overcast, but calm day here in Hampshire, U.K. It held the promise of warm sunshine later in the day.
While it was still dark I heard a Dunnock singing. Then later, as dawn was breaking, I saw a male Blackbird.
What was your first bird this month?
My garden this week
We have had lots of sunny afternoons this week, once the morning fog has burned off. The sunshine seems to encourage the birds to sing more heartily (or maybe it is just the onset of the breeding season). At any rate, it is wonderful to hear!
Last Sunday, while we were working out in the garden we heard a Blackbird singing from the top of a roof. It was the first time this year I had heard a full-throated Blackbird song!
I have been noticing what I think is a courtship display by a male Blackbird. It holds its head and tail down and runs along the fence top, seeming to sing a sub-song while doing so. I am very intrigued by this behaviour as I have only ever witnessed it a few times.
The female Blackbird has continued to collect nesting material and I saw a Magpie collect some wiry pieces of roots and twigs as well.
The Blue Tits have been calling a lot. Our next-door neighbours heavily trimmed back one of their shrubs and now we have the highest shrub along that border which is bringing the Blue Tit there for its calls. I am hopeful of getting some clear photographs of it.
All week a Rook has been 'singing' and displaying from a nearby aerial and rooftop, repeatedly and for long periods! It is a joy to witness for me - I am not so sure about others who may not appreciate the mix of rattles, caws and squeaks!
The Hedgehog has continued its nightly movements. I have been putting dry kitten food out all week for it, while also removing any leftover bird seed from the day.
Nestbox envy
While a Blue Tit pair has been checking out my nest cam box, last weekend my neighbour mounted a birdhouse in the tree at the back of his garden, about 15 feet away from mine.
By the following day the Blue Tits were showing a great deal of interest in it. To be fair, it is a pretty blue box, is fixed to a tree trunk next to foliage and is higher up than mine. I imagine that makes it more desirable.
Maybe the Great Tits will use our box again this year instead.
Tip of the week: Mirrors and Windows
Twice this week I had conversations where people mentioned that they had birds attacking car mirrors or windows, and sadly one instance of a bird flying into a window. It reminded me that at this time of year, with birds being more single-minded about fighting for their territories, there are some steps we can take to help protect them.
Birds attack windows and mirrors because they can see their reflections and think it is a rival bird. While this might be distressing to watch, and upsets the bird, it is unlikely to cause any lasting physical damage to the bird. If it happens regularly to your car's side mirrors, you might consider covering them up while the car is parked (remembering to remove the covers before driving off)!
Birds may fly at speed into a window if they are being chased by a predator, or because they do not realise the invisible barrier is there. Window strikes are very often fatal for the bird, even if they initially appear uninjured; they may have internal damage that is not survivable.
If you have plain glass windows, especially if they reflect surrounding trees and open spaces in sunlight, consider trying the following methods to break up the appearance of a clear flyway:
Internal vertical blinds are a good option, as they can be left open enough to see outside, but present a barrier to birds flying
Window decals of hawk silhouettes or other products that provide a more complete coverage of the window while allowing a clear view of the outside for us
Fly screens on the outside of windows.
Where have I been? (Virtually)
I was delighted to have been featured on I Like the Sound podcast this week, speaking to host Frank Burton about the sounds birds make.
Podcast recommendation -Get Birding
Get Birding is a new podcast hosted by young ornithologist and conservationist Dr Mya-Rose Craig.
Featuring celebrity guests such as Chris Packham and Dr Amir Khan, alongside other bird and wildlife experts and musicians, this podcast is aimed at beginners and family audiences.
With fascinating stories and tips that you can put into practice, there is something for everyone.
The Casual Birder Podcast
Current episode:
Week 4 of my lockdown birdwatching diaries, including short descriptions of my regular visitors.
Past episode suggestion:
Amy Chillag Birdwatching and Mental Health - Amy Chillag is a writer and producer for CNN Special Projects. She is also a casual birdwatcher.
She tells me about the joy she feels at seeing the birds that visit her backyard in Atlanta, Georgia, and the article she wrote about the power of birdwatching for peace of mind.
Visit my website for photos, blogs, and episode transcripts
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