Blackbird

Trying to take bird photographs with a dying old camera resulted in this rather dreamlike picture of a Blackbird. I was surprised to find that dreaming of this charming garden visitor is an omen of bad luck and if you do so you will encounter misfortune in the coming weeks. However if the bird is flying it will bring good fortune.

A flying Blackbird brought 7th century Irish saint Kevin a bit of bad luck as she flew into his open palm while he was praying and laid eggs there. The kind-hearted and very patient saint remained still until all the eggs had hatched and the chicks fledged!

The BBCs H2G2 site has a lovely poem written by a 9th century monk in the margins of the bible he was illuminating:

Blackbird from a willow sings
Tiny beak with voice that rings
Yellow bill, like coal his coat
Merry music from his throat

It is nice to think that even centuries ago, peoples hearts were lifted by the cheery song of the Blackbird.