Blackbird’s happy dance

I’ve been to some wonderful sites over the past couple of weeks (in SA, Victoria and NSW) and have seen many beautiful birds; I am still processing photographs from both trips. Funnily enough, and pretty funny, are the final photographs I took on my way home from NSW while having a much appreciated cuppa at a friend’s place.

Common Blackbirds were introduced to Australia in 1857 by settlers desperately trying to recreate their homeland. Acclimatisation Societies introduced many species including rabbits, foxes, starlings, sparrows, song thrushes, skylarks and noxious weeds: they wanted to hunt foxes and harvest blackberries while listening to familiar birdsong. If only we could wind the clock back.

The triptych above seems to need the Benny Hill music to go with it!

These other blackbird photographs were taken closer to home. Male blackbirds are black with yellow bills and yellow around their eyes. Interbreeding causes some male blackbirds to have lighter colours among their feathers. They often become quite bedraggled when feeding nestlings.

Female blackbirds are brown, and lack the bright bill of the males.

Fledgling blackbirds resemble females. This little newbie’s tail is yet to grow longer and its legs and feet look almost translucent.

Blackbirds have a beautiful song but they really don’t belong here. Although they aren’t a notably aggressive species they impact the ecological niche that belonged to native birds such as the Bassian Thrush. They are rated as a pest species for their penchant for soft fruits and their capacity to spread weeds.

The print run for 200 calendars was ordered today and will hopefully arrive just before the end of September ready to be mailed out – many thanks for your support.

Happy birding, Kim

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