Blackbirds

The Blackbird habit

Blackbirds are creatures of habit. At a year old the males select a territory to defend, with the aim of attracting a …

There’s Blackbird activity in the town centre. This female has a beak full of worms. It’s suggested to me that they might …

There are puddles all along the footpath on the River Teign past the scrap metal works. This male Blackbird is making full …

We’re back in the tiny scrubby woods for our daily walk. It’s full of litter. Imagine a world where every sip and …

This handsome male blackbird has the right idea. Nutritious invertebrates are what a growing chick needs to make bone and sinew and …

Do you ever feel that your life is a series of endlessly repeating circles-within-circles going nowhere? I’ve just had a shave, washed …

There’s a terrible racket coming from a bush nearby in the town centre. It sounds like a Blackbird is going absolutely out …

I’ve only been to Berry Head in South Devon twice before. The first time I parked in the wrong car park, spent …

Within bird species there’s a strict pecking order. It’s played out in battles over territory, food and mates. Robins are some of …

I love how scaly male Blackbirds look in the sunshine. This one has a few white feathers. It’s leucistic to a tiny …

It’s cold and I fancy a walk. There are Black Headed Gulls at Stover Country Park. I love the way their toes …

The light is beautiful on this Blackbird. Aren’t they perky birds? I first drew them in 1977: My drawings may not have …

Blackbirds are stunningly attractive. The plumage of the females is exceptional. It’s so subtle. Unlike the males. The males are definitely dressed …

There’s a brown Blackbird at Stover Country Park. It’s cold and it’s intent on eating some seed which someone has left on …

There’s a Blackbird skulking and hopping around the path. I love them. If someone tells you they are plain birds, don’t agree …

There are Blackbirds at the top of many trees at this time of year. Their beautiful singing fills the air and gladdens …

Sunshine; warmth; the feel of spring in the air. It’s a while since I’ve felt that; and that’s also true for wildlife. …

What’s changed since this 1950s Ladybird Book of British Birds was published?

I’ve got a few hours spare this afternoon and the weather is bright. The forecasts are for dull weather for days, so …

There’s time to visit Stover Country park and see some wildlife today. I’m taking my dad along so he can experience one …

Orley Common is a true common – absolutely no-one owns it or has ever owned it – it belongs to us all. …

I was thirteen years old when I wrote and drew in my nature notebooks about Blackbirds. ‘Sexual dimorphism’ is what I wrote; …

I was twelve years old when I started my nature notebooks. Despite my awful handwriting I noted down all the features which …