RSPB Blackbird Breeding says Blackbirds usually fledge after 13-14 days and can then take a week to learn how to fly.
In my experience, for 2-3 weeks after fledging they are almost entirely dependent on their parents for food and still in the early stages of mastering flight.
14th April – The first fledglings of the year, 2 Blackbirds in the yard, seemingly in good shape; one patiently preening itself under the tree while waiting for mum and food, then rushing over when mum appeared, hopping up to sit on the bench.
15th April – 6am – This morning both fledglings seen in the yard. I saw a Dunnock feeding a Blackbird fledgling inbetween visits from the Blackbird’s parents! Never seen this before but the Dunnock was clearly feeding it, even returning again with more food! Still ongoing at 6pm!
16th April – Both staying together out of the rain, well fed on fat balls!
17th April – 7am – Disaster. Looked out of the window just in time to see a cat attack the fledglings, taking one in its mouth. They had been under the car sheltering from the rain when it flushed them out. Dashed out into the yard and must have surprised the cat as it had dropped the bird out in the road. The strongest of the 2 fledglings had escaped into the tree, but the weakest had somehow escaped from the cats mouth!
I tried to place it in the tree alongside the other but it fell out and then when left alone looked in shock and would not even respond to food from the parents who eventually gave up trying. Its chances weren’t looking good.
Called a bird sanctuary in Norfolk who said it would be in deep shock and slipping into hyperthermia and must be brought in and warmed up. Gradually, as it warmed up in a shoebox above the heater, it began to look in better shape and after keeping its beak moist with warm sugary water, it even accepted some food from my fingers – bits of fat ball soaked in the sugary water.
As for the stronger of the 2 fledglings, it is still in the yard and still being fed by the Dunnock too!
8pm – Lively little bird has recovered and is now at a bird sanctuary in Norfolk 
to have it’s supper and eventual release into the woods there, along with 38 other rescued Blackbirds!
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Looking after a Blackbird Fledgling |
18th April – Surprise – another fledgling appeared today! Watched them in the yard and neighbouring yards all day. At around 8pm they both returned to the tree in the yard and hopped up and up until they were safe for the night.
Fledgling Blue Tit also seen briefly being fed in the tree.
19th April – 7am – We spend all our available time now time looking out for cats, and this morning the cat returned and I spotted it and was able to give chase. Only 12 more hours of this until both fledglings safely roost again! Dunnock again seen feeding one Blackbird, although at times it seemed to be running away from what is now quite a large hungry fledgling!
20th – Both seen, roosted two doors down.
21-25 – 1 roosted in backyard tree at 8:20-8:30pm all 4 nights.
Its not clear how many individual fledglings we have been watching thes past weeks & days when now only seeing one at a time, but perhaps 4 including the one rescued.
27 – We know one didn’t make it, but the one rescued is making great progress we are told. There follows a quiet period…
23rd May – A new fledgling appears! Again we follow it’s progress and keep lookout.
June – After another 2 weeks, there are quiet periods, but since then 2 growing Blackbirds have returned to the yard – with a taste for fatballs!
Blackbird fledgling 19.04.09
23.05.0
Blackbird fledgling 15.04.09
16.04.09
Tags: Birds, Blackbird, Cambridge, Dunnock, fledgling, looking after a blackbird fledgling
April 17, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Yay! That’s brilliant. What a lucky bird to have been rescued by you!! Need a water pistol to squirt cats ;o)