Poor young Blackbird

We have many Blackbirds visiting the garden - at least 2 males and 3 females. There were a couple of fledglings some weeks ago, but they were found dead in next door's garden a few days later - killed by Magpies.

After also witnessing Magpies raid Blackbirds' nests and steal the eggs, I thought we'd no chance of there being any young Blackbirds around. Yesterday I was surprised to see this one in a flower bed though. I was pleased as I thought he'd escaped the Magpies' beaks.

However, I think I was wrong. Check the second photo.

The little bird was very tame and I offered him some food which he gladly accepted. He was too timid for me to lift him to take him to a vet though. I just hope that the wound is not infected and that he'll survive!

That's a shame Catherine, let's hope he recovers.

Very sad. I didn't realize Magpies did that
Hope he survives and gets better

Aah, poor little thing. Crossed fingers that he does survive.

poor little thing hope all is well

Adding to this subject, here's a damaged Female who is busily getting on with feeding her brood, despite losing her tail feathers.

OOh dear . Poor little bird
Hope her tail grows back again she will need id to fly properly

Goodness, doesn't she look unbalanced... it didn't stop her getting a real beakful, though!

She seems to fly quite well.

Yes she will fly ok but she has no brakes

We've got a male in the same state.

Would it have been cause by a predator trying to catch it, or would it just be part of moulting?

I'd guess at a cat.