The Lincolnshire Bird Club

This evening whilst walking along the ditch at the bottom of our paddock I flushed a Blackbird.
On closer inspection I discovered a nest at about knee height containing four eggs. It was built
on the sloping side of the ditch and was well concealed by the nettles and other vegetation.
I have never previously seen, or heard of, a Blackbird nesting on the ground.
Hopefully, the Magpie will not find it in such an unusual location.

Roy

I checked the Blackbirds nest when the chicks were almost fully grown and still present, then again the next week after they had gone. As far as I can tell they fledged successfully.
A pair of Magpies had been scouring the local area for nests to predate and, amongst others, had cleaned out a clutch of Song Thrushes that were almost ready to fly. Maybe a few other species will have to adapt to ground nesting in order to be more productive.

Roy

Hi Roy

I have once seen Blackbirds nesting on the ground and like yours were on a side of a ditch.

Magpies have predated the Long-tailed Tit nest in my garden, this was the first time they have nested in my garden and now probably the last.

Russell

_________________
http://birdmanbirds.blogspot.com/