Hot today, so the birds came out to play.
The wet feathers of this Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) looked to be brownish so I presume this is a female Blackbird. Her beak wasn’t a very bright yellow so I also wondered if it was a juvenile or young adult.
I’ve seen male Blackbirds fairly regularly in the tree in front of the balcony fence, but I think this is the first time I’ve seen a female.
No doubt she’ll be back now she knows the location of the paddling pool.
After the Blackbird flew away, 4 House Sparrows came for a drink and a paddle, but I missed the shot in my eagerness to zoom out the lens.
A Moment in Time 
I saw my first American Robins this weekend. Their scientific name is Turdus migratorius. What fun, that our birds are “related”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve noted that before, Linda. It’s interesting how common these birds are, but also just as interesting when I’ve not seen the females before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy the blackbirds. Their song is always so cheery and their numbers seem to be quite minimal, at least around me. Word is getting out about the bathing facilities at your place, Vicki.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I might have to start charging bathers – maybe even set up the other 2 small water bowls if this hot weather keeps up. Their payment would be to stand still so I can get some better photos. Did I mention there were 2 Spotted Turtle-doves in the water the other day. This year is the first year I’ve seen larger birds in the ‘paddling pool’ (which is really just a large plastic saucer I originally bought for a large pot).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t recall the turtle dove story. You get quite a few birds there. Do you have plants on your balcony as well?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only have about 5 pots of herbs (and spring onions) on my balcony at the moment. I had 2 dozen, most of which I let die or rehomed before my hip replacement December 2020. I knew I wouldn’t be able to water them or care for them. Then came the heart surgery at the end of last winter (2021) and then the (3rd) lower back surgery in November 2022. Being a Fibromyalgia sufferer doesn’t help with walking and some movements. I can bend over and I can twist ok, but can’t bend and twist to one side at the same time (to pick up a potted plant or if I drop something indoors).
The fairy-wrens do love wandering around the mint, lemon balm and perennial basil. I can’t get a clear shot at photographing them though.
My parsley plants died. The house sparrows and fairy-wrens did love snacking on parsley.
Best clear shot is of the birds in the ‘paddling pool’ or on top of the fence railing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Birds can be so inconsiderate.
Have you thought of having a pot of native grasses, Vicki? They are good habitat for the little birds. Nice and shady too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love native grasses and by co-incidence, that subject might be the next post. I’ve got so many varieties of interesting grasses between here and the river, that I don’t have to walk far to enjoy them.
I’m still sitting on the fence in regard to what I will plant – herbs or veggies or clear the whole lot out. The weather around here has been getting so much windier of late.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting.
Very rare to get a still day here as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love these pics. She must be having a great time in your paddling pool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Peggy. They are so enjoyable to watch. This afternoon it almost looked like the blackbird and the house sparrow were seeing who could make the biggest splash. Of course, this is all in my imagination. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, it’s not in your imagination. Birds are smart and, I suspect, competitive.
LikeLiked by 1 person