Morning Post

Wednesday 14th June 2000
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'White-tail', our resident Blackbird and his mate are very active, flying in and out of the hedge just beyond the shed, no doubt feeding a brood.

Normally when you see a blackbird it is just standing there on the lawn or whatever blackbirds generally do. That white feather in his tail makes White-tail an individual and we realise just how well he knows his territory; he can pop up anywhere. For instance, a regular run is to cross the patio beneath the table (not while there is anyone sitting there, he's not as tame as the partridge), hop onto the back of a garden chair and from there onto the bird table and back down the garden.

I get the impression he's familiar with every corner of his domain and that wouldn't miss a rival, a patrolling Sparrowhawk or any likely beakful of food.

Richard Bell,
wildlife illustrator
E-mail; 'richard@daelnet.co.uk'