[Matthew Strahan]

in reply to: Blackbird ‘Police Siren’ vocalisations #2690

Thanks Dan. Yes I’ve heard starlings mimic oystercatchers, curlews and lapwings.
There was an article in a tabloid newspaper not long ago about a blackbird making a similar call but I cant remember what the outcome of it was. It was driving the neighbourhood mad if I remember correctly.
Several dog walkers who know me have commented to me about this particularly bird. My human interpretation is that it has lost its mate or cant get a mate. I dont think its mimicry, although the location is within audible distance of an A road and passing traffic. But this bird sounds to me like its trying to getting a message across. It went on for weeks last year.

Thanks
Matthew.

[Matthew Strahan]

in reply to: Great Tit colour variation #2101

Many thanks Ian that’s a very comprehensive and most interesting reply and opened up a whole new level of birding for me. My initial, basic thoughts after reading would be for the opportunity for observers to count the number of paler males against the number of strongly coloured male birds which might perhaps give an indication of the health/breeding success of a population? Just a thought.
Many thanks again,
Matthew.
As an aside, I thought that the hedgerow berry harvest was poorer last Autumn than previous years, or perhaps just earlier than usual.

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