Empty nest

The blackbirds have successfully flown. They left our garden a week ago, but hung around in the surrouding trees for a couple of days. They have doubled in size and now have most of their adult plumage and also their tail feathers. Since we came back from our holiday, the bigger of the two has been seen feeding on the ground, accompanied by the ever vigilant parent. The smaller has been seen scuttling in the undergrowth. It is so lovely to see them around, and to know that there is a good chance one of them will nest in our garden next year.

I feel very privileged to have been so closely involved with them. It made me notice a lot more about our garden, and also blackbird behaviour.

Here are two pictures that evoke memories of my time as part guardian of the chicks. The first is a courgette flower, which reminds me of the hungry beaks of blackbird chicks held open for food.

The second is evidence of the blackbirds availaing themselves of our cherries.