Hello everyone.
Hope you are well. Keep plodding on. We’ll get there eventually and help each other out in whatever way you can.
Since returning to work, I have been struggling for ideas and finding the time to write up these posts, which I love to create. I would never think that I would enjoy writing these blog posts quite as much as I do. I look forward to writing more, discovering new things and working with more amazingly talented people.
For this post, I wanted to do something slightly different; short and sweet. I haven’t exactly got off to a good start have I?!
The Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a common garden and woodland bird. You will have seen them before, they’re very widespread.
The males are jet black, but if you get close enough, you can see the shading of the different feathers. They have a golden bill and eye ring. The females are often described as dull, which is very unfair, in my opinion. They are brown and the yellow is not as bright, but that is because they are designed to be camouflaged, and they don’t have to make the effort to attract a mate.
They are a member of the Thrush family, they are highly territorial, and you often see them fighting with each other. But one good thing about the territorial-ness, for us at least is their amazing song.
In my opinion, they are one of the best songbirds – ever! You can even guess what time of day it is by the variations of the song. Rich and smooth it has got to be one of the most relaxing sounds in the natural world. They sing throughout the day, but their song is more prominent in the dawn and dusk chorus.
On the other hand, in an example of perfect juxtaposition, their alarm call is loud, harsh and seemingly never ending. It eventually gets me on edge. The alarm call stands in contrast to their beautiful song; piercing and staccato, leading into a rush of quickened calls (basically anthropomorphic profanities!). If I were a predator it would certainly put me off any attempt to catch one. But then again, that is the whole point of an alarm call; to make the predator realise that you are aware of their presence and to warn others in the neighbourhood, it’s exactly like a burglar or personal alarm, and it has the same effect. Alongside this vocal alarm behaviour, they also flick their tail and wings, giving a slightly frantic bobbing appearance!
They really are a lovely bird. As I said their song is beautiful and they really are characters to observe as well. So, next time you are taking the dog for a walk, exploring local woodland or sitting, relaxing in your garden keep an eye out for resident Blackbirds. They will provide you with hours of entertainment throughout the year.
Charlotte
xoxo
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