My poor little blackbird couple :(

[ladylouise62]

I wasn't paying attention as they generally make lots of noise, but it eventually came t me that there was an unusual amount of noise outside, and that it wasn't just one 'pinking', but both.
When I looked out I could see that both were flitting frantically about the garden from perch to perch 'pinking' madly. It dawned on me that they must have a fledgling out (at dusk, not good!!!!). It also dawned on me that my cat was out. I opened the door to let her in, hoping that since she isn't a big hunter that she hadn't spotted anything (she often ignores birds flitting about). I did later spot a little dark parch under the fleece-covered raised bed which was a little bird. I rushed out to pull back the cover as quickly as possible so they could get to it, but I stood at the upstairs window for half an hour and didn't see any movement even when the adults practically divebombed it.

It's not looking good

[ladylouise62]

I went out a ;itt;e after dark with the torch - still there and still alive as I could see it rock with breathing... but I can't see it lasting overnight. I did wonder about doing something , but thought "it's natural". I'm not happy, though.

[Catherine]

I really sympathise with you, the little Blackbird and his parents, Louise.

It is hard to be able to comprehend how the Blackbird family feel at times like these - as we're always warned not to transfer human emotions into creatures in the wild. Nevertheless, the parents' persistent 'pinking' calls are signs of their alarm and anxiety. I certainly believe that creatures in the wild so often shame those of us who feel we have superior intellect and sensitivity. They so often show a greater, and more unselfish, courage in protecting their own.

I hope there is a happy outcome to your story, though realise that might not be the case. I hope the Blackbirds have several other young which will take their minds off this tragedy (if that's what it turns out to be). However, if it's a mild night, there are no cats or Magpies around, and if the parents are able to feed their young now you've given them access under the fleece. Fingers crossed!

[ladylouise62]

Unfortunately, it didn't end well.
I didn't think it would as it was a fairly cold night. The poor little thing didn't look as though it had been attacked at all, so it must have been the cold/fear that did it. I did wonder what I could do to keep it warm, but decided that as I really had no idea what to do I would let nature take its course. I am not sure that they do have any more little 'uns as both Mum and Dad are still out and both are hanging around my little patch. Dad came back with a mouthful of food and hopped around the garden in the same way as he did last night as though looking for it to feed. It's heartbreaking

[Catherine]

That is very sad, Louise.

Mind you, Blackbirds are a resilient breed. They have to be.

Possibly they will build another nest/have another clutch of eggs if this lot have more problems. Nature provides them with that option to survive as a species. Are there plenty other nest sites near you?