Funny territorial behaviour with two male Blackbirds (1 Viewer)

[songbird6666]

In my back garden, I have a large area fenced off with 1inch wire netting, 3feet high, which is supposed to be for my two chickens (however, they have the full back garden, didn't like seeing them shut in but that's another story) I have been very amused to watch two male Blackbirds on several occasions, fighting each other through this wire. It must be border of their two territories - neither one will cross it, they only have a short hop over, but they stand facing each other, tails erect, picking at tufts of grass and throwing them behind them, and if one goes to its left, the other copies, so it's like seeing a mirror image. Really funny, but I admire them for not actually coming to blows, it's all bravado till one gets fed up and flies off! (Wish my robins behaved themselves like this)

 

[pauco]

Yup thats Blackbirds, tail flicking clucking, and fluffed out feathers at least the other male gets the message and retreats most of the time. But as you say Robins ooooh boy do they get stuck in!! Have you ever watched housesparrow males, now theres a laugh.

 

[songbird6666]

This "funny" thread is no longer funny. One of my two blackbirds has either broken or dislocated his leg. I am heartbroken. His left leg is just useless and is motionless and getting in his way. It's at the shoulder end. Poor thing, I suppose that means his number will soon be up, they are slow enough to get away as it is, but taking off on one leg doesn't give them much of a chance does it? In the unlikely event that he should survive, he won't be able to breed I suppose. Why is nature so cruel? I suppose if it is just dislocated he will have a better chance than if it's broken, because infection will likely set in. Either way, it's not looking good is it? ||

 

[pauco]

So sorry to hear your news Songbird, and no it dont look good for him. But what we must never forget is that these birds can survive against worse odds than we give credit for, his biggest threat is predation. If he can withstand these cold snowy days, and freezing nights, and gets enough food during the day who knows, he may even mate, my fingers are crossed for your Blackie, please give an update as to how he gets on.

 

[Mary Evelyn]

So sorry to hear your news Songbird, and no it dont look good for him. But what we must never forget is that these birds can survive against worse odds than we give credit for, his biggest threat is predation. If he can withstand these cold snowy days, and freezing nights, and gets enough food during the day who knows, he may even mate, my fingers are crossed for your Blackie, please give an update as to how he gets on.

Me too.Sorry about the blackbird.