Nest

I discovered this blackbird's nest in the cruck of an old apple tree while I was picking raspberries. The eggs are probably this year's third brood .

I hastily removed my Nest who has turned into no mean hunter.

I used to participate in wildlife forums on the internet but there were so many vituperative comments and rants about the slaughter of wild birds by domestic cats, and the long term impact this had upon the bird population, that I felt like hanging my head in shame - I slunk silently away without admitting that I had cats.

Now I see that the RSPB says that there is no scientific evidence that predation by cats in gardens is having any impact on bird populations UK-wide. The species that have declined the most are farmland birds, which have been affected by habitat change due to modern agricultural practices, whereas garden birds, cats' usual victims, are generally on the increase.

There is further evidence that the main predators on blackbird nests are other birds (carrion crows, magpies, sparrowhawks etc.)

This is a relief - although it does not entirely exonerate the cat. It's sad to see the tell-tale feathers on the kitchen floor.