Blackbird nest, now empty

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

About a month ago a pair of blackbirds build an absolutely beautiful nest on top of a bird house on my balcony. There were 5 eggs laid within a couple of days and the female was incubating the eggs up until 3 days ago. The eggs are no more

There's no evidence of damage to the nest, there's no shell or egg contents remaining. Very sad to see. I was really looking forward to seeing the hatch-lings and watching them grow and mature.

Any ideas what may have happened? I have not seen any cats or adders in the area and it would be difficult for both to get to my balcony (2nd floor). Our walls are quite smooth so I am thinking it was another bird that took the eggs whole, a raven maybe?

Any ideas? I am living in Munich by the way. Cheers.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Any of a number of birds may have taken the eggs.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

So the blackbirds have returned. There is now at least one chick in the nest, egg opened a couple of days ago. If I can, I will get a picture of the nest and post it up tomorrow (I can take the picture from within the apartment without disturbing the bird).

I discovered they were back when I went to sweep the balcony, I got a fright as the bird flew out of the nest. Whenever we are on the balcony the birds don't seem to mind, they just stay still and keep an eye on us.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Caleb Damp Eyeliner wrote: »

So the blackbirds have returned. There is now at least one chick in the nest, egg opened a couple of days ago. If I can, I will get a picture of the nest and post it up tomorrow (I can take the picture from within the apartment without disturbing the bird).

I discovered they were back when I went to sweep the balcony, I got a fright as the bird flew out of the nest. Whenever we are on the balcony the birds don't seem to mind, they just stay still and keep an eye on us.

Do not take or post a photo as it's illegal to photograph any bird's nest without licence.

Great to here they are back.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Giuliana Great Telescope wrote: »

Do not take or post a photo as it's illegal to photograph any bird's nest without licence.

Great to here they are back.

I don't think that's the case in Germany, I can't find any legislation on it online.

I am hoping the other eggs hatch, looking forward to seeing them develop , probably not so much the constant tweeting :P

Del.Monte

Giuliana Great Telescope wrote: »

Do not take or post a photo as it's illegal to photograph any bird's nest without licence.

Great to here they are back.

Without wishing to go off topic I find this incredible and is there a different law for the likes of seabirds on the Saltees?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Del.Monte wrote: »

Without wishing to go off topic I find this incredible and is there a different law for the likes of seabirds on the Saltees?

I was aware of the rules around disturbing/removing of nests (I think that's pretty much general knowledge), but I wasn't aware of the law Srameen mentioned. Thanks for that by the way.

I imagine the reasoning behind it is to stop people from getting to close to nests and having a negative impact on them. Especially endangered/migratory birds.

I have taken a few pictures of stork nests here in Germany, but from the ground and a fair bit away (using a 200mm zoom lens).

I won't be posting any pictures on here as I imagine it's against the rules. Anybody can clarify? Thanks.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Del.Monte wrote: »

Without wishing to go off topic I find this incredible and is there a different law for the likes of seabirds on the Saltees?

Believe it or not, there isn't.

Half-cocked

Giuliana Great Telescope wrote: »

Believe it or not, there isn't.

And I wish the law was enforced properly. Too many photographers getting too close to Gannet nests on Great Saltee. The adults get frightened off and Gulls swoop in and grab the eggs.