The second blackbird fledgling, who should really be nicknamed ‘Tail-less’, is gradually becoming more agile amongst the larger branches – and he is starting to grow a tail. Today, he spent a deal of his time at the bottom of the garden, beginning to follow his parents around as they forage, rather than wait somewhere for them. He also watched them bathing and joined the male in the water tray, ducking and splashing very successfully, managing to shower without having to tramp around the dish.
Others of the young birds were discovering grown-up pleasures. I saw a young starling sunbathing on the grass, whilst a young sparrow was having a dust bath. Meanwhile a female sparrow was weaving in and around seven ring doves scavenging on the grass, followed closely by three noisy fledglings.
thekitchensinkbirdwatcher 