We had a walk around Rawcliffe Lave this afternoon, and it is amazing the change since the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions. It had got very busy as people took their daily exercise, but it is now much quieter as people have gone back to there more traditional pursuits of shopping or visiting tourist honey pot places.
As we got to the lake, Katharine spotted this blackbird in a tree, and I managed to get close enought to get this shot.
The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also called the Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds), or simply the blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. It breeds in Europe, Asiatic Russia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
The adult male of the common blackbird (Turdus merula merula which is the nominate subspecies), which is found throughout most of Europe, is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill and has a rich, melodious song; the adult female and juvenile have mainly dark brown plumage. This species breeds in woods and gardens, building a neat, mud-lined, cup-shaped nest. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
There were quite a few different sorts of bird on and around the lake yesterday, but no sign at the moment of our swans.
Ian
Thank you Nina, he didn't seem to mind people at all.
Ian
Thank you Vesna.
Ian