blackbirds

[Goofy]

The blackbirds are eating the food from the bird table (peanuts, seeds etc.)
Never noticed them doing this before - or not in such quantities. anyone else noticing this?

[Robinia]

Yes goofy I have four in my garden & they seem to have taken an unusually keen liking for the seed. I do help them along I hope by putting out raisins/currants & apples cut in half & there are still plenty of berries on my shrubs.

....sorry blackies but it's far too cold for me to dig up worms for you!!!

[Goofy]

all extra treats go to my chooks, so blackbirds will have to do with leftovers from the table.

[logman]

Hi Goofy, The blackbirds in my patch seem content pecking up the crumbs from under my hanging peanut feeder and fat-ball holder. The bluetits, woodpeckers etc, do produce a lot of chips while their chomping! Maybe if your blackies have become more adventurous, it could be a sign of bad weather heading your way ?

[Cetti]

Hi Goofy! Many gardens birds are fast adapting to food grabbing techniques that were once unheard of.

Blackies have spotted other birds eating tasty treats and decided to have a go themselves. Likewize Sparrows are eating from seed and nut holders that were once the domain of the more acrobatic Blue Tits etc. The funniest learned behaviour to watch comes from the Magpies. Have you ever watched them dunk lumps of bread or biscuits into water to soften up before eating - it's hilarious?

[WendyS]

Yes, as I write I have about two blackbirds jockeying for position on the birdtable and about five others waitlisted on the lawn hoping there will be something left for them when their turn comes. After the robins, they were the next species to pluck up courage to visit our new bird table some months ago and now every morning they're hovering in the trees waiting to come swooping down when I top up the food every morning.