FIRST FLIGHT

The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds), or simply blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. It breeds in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

We have blackbirds in our garden and this is the ninth year that they are nesting here and raising young. They are partial to building their nest in tall rosemary bushes, which affords them protection from predators and the elements. Today, the little fledglings took their first flight under the guiding care of their parents. Here the hen bird is perched on a roof and is encouraging the young chick to fly up to her from the fence where it is perching. It made it!

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme,

and also part of the Friday Photo Journal meme,

and also part of the Nature Notes meme.