Blackbird mastering the squirrel-proof feeder

I've observed the blackbirds in our garden gradually finding out how to eat at the feeders like the other smaller birds. They are ground feeders and browsers and didn't seem to have the right shaped feet to grip the metal supports. Until now.

The blackbirds now fly up to the feeder at quite high speed and just keep flapping their wings to keep hovering as close as possible to the seeds. Today I managed this shot of how it is able to stay for just a second or two and peck into the small seed trays. Then it falls and flies away, before trying again. 

I feel delighted that they've managed to learn how to do this. I'll still throw some seeds on the ground too, just in case they're hungry.