Blackbird v starling

[lainiej]

We have had a couple of blackbirds in our garden for a couple of months which have become quite tame, coming to us for raisins etc. Now they seem to have disappeared but there are lots of starlings around - mothers with their babies making a hell of a racket.
Could this be why our Mr and Mrs Wing Ding ( he has scruffy wings) have vanished and if so is it possible that they will come back when the starlings leave.
We are really sad that they have gone and really hope nothing awful has happened to them.

[wildwood]

Has a neighbour with a cat moved into the near district?
Maybe the blackbirds don't feel safe in your garden anymore, or not the right food. They may have gone to breed somewhere and now prefer live food to build up reserves to make eggs.

Starlings are not very fussy and will eat a varied diet.

[lainiej]

We have 2 cats of our own and they dont seem to bother the blackbirds. I hope it is the reason that you gave re making eggs - aahhhh bless!!
Let you know if they come back
Thanks - Elaine

[Cetti]

Blackbirds have several broods a year lainiej, so they could be nesting.
As birds love the routine of tasty morsels I don't believe that they will just disappear when raisins are on the menu - it has to be for a very good reason.
Blackies are not that timid (unlike Thrushes) and will compete with Starlings for food - and usually win, so it won't be because of the 'little gangsters' they've gone.

[lainiej]

thanks cetti. we really miss the little cuties!!