Teenagers

Most of the young birds in our garden have now reached their teens and, like all teenagers, they have a fair amount to learn in the way of manners. This young robin, who is just beginning to come into his adult plumage, is so cock-sure of himself that he comes within an arm's-length when we're eating our lunch outside, demanding crumbs.

And this young blue tit was so determined to get his feed off the peanut dispenser that nothing would move him. The camera here is on its close-up setting, and within about two inches of his right nostril. In fact, he became quite rude about being disturbed at his meal.

But first prize for teenage bad behaviour goes to Mr Blackbird's three youngsters. Regular Diary readers will recall an earlier post (here) which described how poor Mr Blackbird nearly expired in his efforts to keep his ravenous brood fed. The poor man obviously ended up so weary he couldn't find the energy to teach them manners as they now make a thorough nuisance of themselves, particularly....

....in the vegetable garden where they have already eaten their way through a good 50% of the raspberry and strawberry crop, and are now starting on the blackcurrants.

So far, it's been a very good year for our small birds, and we're quite happy to put up with the occasional misbehaviour of their young in return for the pleasure we get from watching the amazing variety that come into the garden.