Dead blackbird fledgling... my fault?? (1 Viewer)

[barbes]

Hi all,

This is my first time on the forum. I've been very upset since I got home today. I went out into the back garden to find a dead blackbird fledgling. I'm worried that it was my fault! ||

I tried to take some pictures of the fledglings in the nest the other day. The parents became distressed, so I stopped. But straight afterwards I saw that one of the fledglings (there were three, I think) had left the nest. I hadn't seen them out of the nest before, so I was worried that it was because of me. I kept an eye on it though, and it seemed fine. It was hopping around, and getting up into the hedges. The father fed it on the ground. So I wasn't too worried.

But then I got home today, and found the dead baby. I checked the nest, and it's empty. The parents were in the garden as usual, and were hunting for worms. Could the other fledglings be out of the nest and ok?

I managed to get a (not great) pic of the baby yesterday - does it look old enough to be out of the nest?

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4055/outofthenestlv7.jpg

Even if the worst has happened, is it possible that the parents will raise another brood? I'm worried that I scared them away from that nest permanently because I got too close (I will never do that again ||)

I'm just so upset about the whole thing. I hope some of you can reassure me...

Thanks,
Barbes

 

[KC Foggin]

Hello Barbes and welcome to BirdForum.

Unfortunately, you learned a lesson the hard way. Any interference with a nesting bird is a big NO NO, might even be against the law in your parts. I know it is here and I know you have laws covering certain scheduled birds. Perhaps someone from your area would have more definitive answers on that for you. Parent birds will sometimes desert the nest if they feel threatened.

Now it is entirely possible that the other fledglings are hidden in seclusion and the parents are feeding them out of the nest. This happens when it is time to fledge but Please do not go looking for them. Let nature take its course here.

 

[barbes]

Hello Barbes and welcome to BirdForum.

This happens when it is time to fledge but Please do not go looking for them. Let nature take its course here.

Thank you, KC.

I'll keep an eye on the parent birds from indoors, and see if they appear to be feeding their young. A couple of weeks ago, we noticed that instead of eating the worms they hunted, the parents were flying away with them in their beaks. So we were pretty sure that they had hatchlings. If I see this behaviour, would it be a good indicator that the fledglings are ok?

I understand what you say about disturbing the nest. I know now that I got too close. When I saw the fledgling out of the nest for the first time, I couldn't help feeling like I wanted to rush out there and put it back in (because I thought it might have fledged prematurely because of me), but I knew I had to leave it.

The link to the photo wasn't working when I first posted, but I've corrected it now (here it is again: http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4055/outofthenestlv7.jpg). Do you think the fledgling looks mature enough? Are many fledglings killed soon after they leave the nest?

I'm not sure, but I think the little guy was killed by magpies. There are quite a lot in our garden, and I know they can be aggressive.

Thanks again |=)|

 

[KC Foggin]

Hmm, no, I don't think that little one was ready to be on its own. As to what actually killed it, I have no idea. Unfortunately we all learn things the hard way sometimes. If you've learned something then good. Now enjoy the forum and prepare yourself for lots of reading

 

[barbes]

Hmm, no, I don't think that little one was ready to be on its own.

Oh no! I can't tell you how awful I feel |=(|

What happens to fledglings when they first leave the nest? I presume they can't get back up there for a little while, until they learn to fly. Do they sleep on the ground? It must be very dangerous for them those first few days...

I just hope that I'll spot the other fledglings in the garden. I'll let you know if I do!

 

[KC Foggin]

It's done. The best thing you can do now is to ensure that family watches from a safe distance. Parents will feed the fledglings on the ground for quite a bit so this time of year is especially crucial that no neighborhood cats are on the prowl. Some will not make it and that is nature.

If you haven't seen this part of the forum, this is a good, informative read:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=36564

 

[KnockerNorton]

Yes, I'm afraid it's your fault that they left the nest early. I'm sorry but there it is. The picture shows a fledgling that is about 2 days off normal fledging time. With open-nesting birds, if they feel threatened in the run-up to fledging then the young are liable to what is called 'exploding', or leaving early, in an attempt to cut their losses as they think they're about to get predated. You getting too close is what made them fledge early, for that reason.

It's likely that whatever killed the chick will have done so anyway (it was probably a local cat - magpies would have carried it off, cats generally kill and use them as a toy then get bored quickly), but you certainly didn't do them any favours. The parents will probably breed again, maybe even in the same nest. But, as has been stated, the golden rule with open nests is to leave well alone once the young are feathered.

 

[hil5]

Hi

To alleviate your guilt at their next nesting attempt you can help the blackbirds with food - soaked raisins and particularly live mealworms are good for the youngsters.

the best thing is to live and learn. I know you'll never do this again

 

[Henstooth]

Barbes.....Please forgive yourself. What's done is done and it won't happen again. I've cocked up in the past..Recently I posted a thread about a practice that I thought was okay, BUT I learnt, VERY QUICKLY from wiser and more educated birders that the practice is inappropriate. I felt terrible and hurt that what I thought was an innocent, harmless thing, wasn't. Once, many years ago as a child, I set up a drinking station in a wheelbarrow, only to find a drowned bird the next day. OMG!! I could have killed myself with grief!...The Blackbirds might very well use the same site again, or one of their prepared alternate sites nearby and then you will have the pleasure to watch them again.
Pete

 

[bitterntwisted]

Hi Barbes,

Welcome to BF. Hope you stay on the forum as you are obviously interested in birds and very welcome here. Very sorry to hear of your experience; what Poecile and others have said is true, unfortunately, and you've obviously learnt the lesson. By sharing on the forum you've perhaps helped others learn without making your mistake so perhaps that will be a consolation.

All the best,
Graham

 

[steveo]

Hope this helps http://www.birdcare.com/bin/showsonb?blackbird at least there are plenty of them. If you want to get close to nests look into getting a spotting scope, and dont let this situation get you down lesson learned.