Zulu Merula
Blackbird's Momma!
The Blackbirds 3rd brood of fledglings are rampant in the garden right now. Today, my Dad spotted one with a 'really big worm' in its beak, retreating into the bushes. He went nearer to investigate, saying 'I don't think that is a worm...' At first he thought it was a baby mouse (we have a little mouse that regularly visits the garden). I went to look and saw it was a little bald nestling. Awww. There is a Dunnocks nest in the tree above where the Blackie was foraging, so I guess it must have fallen out. However, the Blackbird ATE it! It was already dead, mind, but I was surprised as I wouldn't have expected a Blackbird to eat a nestling. I hope it doesn't make him/her ill!