Nesting

[munchycarrot]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this...

We have 3 or 4 small conifer trees lining the path in our back garden. They are only about 6 feet tall. The other day the dog (yappy Jack Russell) was barking at the tree so I went to investigate. Without even disturbing the branches I could see a nest with eggs in.

I've seen the bird flying in & out now & she is sitting on the eggs. Obviously it's tricky as we have to let the dog out but i don't let her hang around near the tree, she comes back in.

The nest is lower than my head height & if you walk past, you can actually see the bird sitting in the nest. I'm keeping away as much as possible. Is there anything else I need to look out for?

The nest is very close to the feeders... Hmmm I can't think of anything else to add

[astafjevs]

What you might have added is what type of bird it is

You might want to deter cats and obviously once there are baby birds it would make sense to keep the dog away as much as possible.

[munchycarrot]

Ooops, well It's a black one... a blackbird I think

The eggs appeared over the weekend so can you give ma a rough idea of timescale please?

I will try & block the area off if I can to stop the dog from scaring them, but she's great at keeping cats away from the garden

[astafjevs]

No idea! I have a book at home that will know though so if nobody answers in the meantime I will see if I can get an answer for you this evening.

[munchycarrot]

Thanks very much, i appreciate your help

[PeterB]

Blackbirds are remarkable with their nesting. We had one nest in the corner of the smoking shed at work. Would just sit there while the guys were puffing away. I am sure if the Jack Russell can't actually get up there she will be fine.

[munchycarrot]

She can't get up to it but she walks by the tree on her back legs like a meerkat sniff, sniff, sniffing!

[astafjevs]

According to my book, female blackbirds incubate their eggs for approx 14 days.

[munchycarrot]

Ok, thanks again. So looking toward the weekend after next

[Twitcheruth]

Hope your Blackbirds nest remains safe Stef......I have one inside a Clematis....again quite low down.....so I'm keeping a watchful eye on it in case neighbouring cats find it!!!!