The Blackbird Story

Just as we were sitting down to afternoon tea, there was a huge 'da do' outside. Mrs Blackbird was going berserk and Mr Blackbird was frantically patrolling the fence line. Our first thought was there was a cat around but no cat just three little nestlings had vacated the nest - ready for their first big adventure.

Two were more confident and were off with an awkward hopping, flying combination, resting under some dead plants along the fence line before disappearing through the fence to our neighbours property unfortunately where the cats live!

The last one stayed very still hiding behind some plant boxes on the veranda before making a dash for the garden. He lingered in the garden for several hours, mostly under an old fern set against the fence while dad fed him and mum darted between him and the more adventurous twosome exploring our neighbours property.

Finally he plucked up the courage to start exploring. His long thin legs hopping madly round the garden with his little wings waving, it wasn't long before lift-off happened but his hope of getting to the top of the fence didn't happen instead he sat most confused on the ledge halfway, looking up and looking down - both seemed to be so far away. With dad spurring him on he took the plunge and flew to the ground, the colours of the underside of his wings quite surprised me.

It wasn't long before he joined his siblings through the fence, I could hear their little chirps. Mr and Mrs Blackbird continued to get grubs from our garden to feed the wee fledglings. I guess the next time I see them, they'll be sat on the fence looking as plump as can be.