Hello, Blackbird

A few weeks ago, when the hen blackbird was sitting on the nest, her mate used to come to Al for grapes. He would take a proffered grape, fly away over Badgerdaddy's former flat to the churchyard, give it (presumably) to 'er indoors, return for another one and then go away to eat it. He became tame enough to take the grapes from Al's hand and I spent some time trying to photograph it. It wasn't easy to catch the instant when he took the grape and so I didn't post the pictures.



You see what I mean.

Whilst the babies were growing up, he and she spent most of their time foraging for food for them, but since the family has left the nest, he's been able to indulge again. And now cherries are in season, which are even more delicious, and he has time to stay and eat them.

When I first saw him, I tossed a cherry on the ground. He hopped into the alleyway next to the shop, to make sure I was not dangerous with a few minutes' observation. Soon afterwards, another male blackbird landed, tail well up and it darted in and grabbed the cherry. Al's indignant blackbird came rushing out, but it was too late. I threw another cherry and he wasted no more time in checking me out, but took it straight away, over to a doorway, and ate it.

So, with you ever in my mind, I took pictures.


Click on the question mark.