Family Meal

Blackbird feeding apple to two of his chicks.

I made this feeder several years ago. It is a bit makeshift, but it has done good service. I load it with bread and apples. Sparrows are my best customers, but in winter the bellbird and waxeyes come for the apple. The blackbirds have only just discovered it.

Getting these photos was a surprise for me as I have to be in full view to get a shot. Usually any birds take off immediately, but I think this harassed father was just too busy to care. He came back a few minutes later with one chick, perhaps the third fledgling. The apple was finished off by the female on her own.