Cannibal Blackbirds

There doesn't seem to be any mention of this happening on 'Google'.  Perhaps it might be a good question to send in for Chris Packham and the 'Springwatch' team for their next show - they do pick up some interesting topics.

Thanks Valda, always a pleasure to hear from you.

To be honest, I am not a fan of Mr, Packham. I know there are some experts on birds on the forum (birderbillie?) and i am hoping it's just a matter of time before someone spots the post. In the meantime, I am still chasing off these terrorist Blackbirds from the Sparow nests but I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I cannot watch them 24/7 and if this is normal behaviour then what right have I to interfere with nature.

We have (I think) 3 or 4 families of Sparrows (that are supposed to be endangered) making about 15 (I am guessing) individual birds in the front garden and a family of Blackbirds in the back. I have often chased off Magpies from both gardens but watching Blackbirds behaving in exactly the same way is something I have not seen before.

It's a strange one, isn't it.  Perhaps you're watching evolution as it happens.................  Not a pleasant thought, though, cannibal blackbirds!!

It's true I have more time to notice such things now that I am retired but this is weird.

In over 40 years of watching birds I have never seen or heard of this. A disturbing tale indeed. Did the Sparrows build their nest in one of the blackbirds old nests?

I have seen Crows, Jays, Magpies and Woodpeckers predating other birds nests and young but I must admit that this is a new one on me.

Thanks for your input Wherenext.

No, the Sparrows are in the front garden and built their own nests in a very large spikey bush. The Blackbirds are more established in a big leylandi hedge at the back. For some years they seemed to just go about their own business and it's ben a joy to watch them pair up and do what birds do. The sparrows seem to like to do it on full view!

I was horrified to see sparrow eggs on my lawn broken. I assumed a crow or Magpie had got into the bush somehow then I watched a Blackbird hop under the bush and climb inside coming out with an egg. All the sparrows were going beserk which is what made me notice (actually I thought there was a cat about).

Now I am watching several male Blackbirds harrassing the sparrows and trying  to break into the bush to get at their young. It really is beginning to freak me out!

You might want to try posting this on the RSPB thread and see if they can give any advice.

I might just do that thanks, but if anyone else on here is a birder (I think thats the new term for a birdwatcher) feel free to offer an opinion.

Not sure a Blackbirds beak would handle an egg - don't mean to offend but could it be that it's Jackdaws to blame and not Blackbirds?

Not sure a Blackbirds beak would handle an egg - don't mean to offend but could it be that it's Jackdaws to blame and not Blackbirds?

I watched the Blackbird do it. It is very strange.