Blackbirds are the same Everywhere

I've been all around New Zealand and travelled to many other countries and what always delights me is how Blackbirds are the same, everywhere.

I photographed this great fellow this morning.

Their magnificent song heralds in our mornings and winds down our days. Their athletic antics as they busily scurry about the garden, suddenly stopping, listening & looking, then diving down and coming up with a wiggling worm, is delightful to observe.

According to Wikipedia, the Common Blackbird (also called Eurasion Blackbird) is a species of true thrush, which I guess explains why their song is as beautiful as a thrush.
The male is quite black and has a yellow ring around the eyes and yellow legs. The female and the young Blackbird, are dark brown.

Blackbird baby emerging from a most vigorous bath

Wheeee !!!!

We have located our birdbath quite close to the house and surrounded by several bushes, which provides hours of delightful observations and many great photo opportunities.

Whilst they use the birdbath a lot, for bathing and drinking, one aspect that totally fascinates us is the way Blackbirds sunbathe - yes, sunbathe.  Have you seen them? They find a sheltered hot spot in the sun and adopt interesting body poses with contorted facial expressions.

Baby Blackbird enjoying the sun.

Blackbirds build a mudlined cup-shaped nest in trees or bushes, under strong leave cover. They feed on worms, insects, fruit and berries - oh, and they also like rolled oats and bread or scones.

The Blackbirds in our garden seem to have one or maybe two babies, however I understand the female might lay several eggs but the stronger babies can kick the other babies out of the nest, so often the mating pair end up with just the one fledgling growing to adulthood.

Dad feeding baby.

Yes, Mr Blackbird, we know you're handsome.