There’s a vibrant rhythm in the garden now that Spring is here—marked by the flutter and song of a blackbird pair who’ve made themselves quite at home. From my kitchen window and workshop, I watch them flit, forage, and sing, bringing with them an endless source of inspiration for my sketchbook and spirit.
They seem to have chosen the chocolate vine near the house as their nesting site—a much better pick than last year’s low, exposed spot. That nest, which was unfortunately predated, was removed over winter and left on a low wall. But to my amazement, I’ve watched this new pair return and recycle bits of it to build again. I don't know if they’re the same birds as last year or not, but there’s a sure, quiet wisdom in their persistence.
A Song at Dawn and Dusk
Blackbirds are among the earliest songsters in spring, the song instantly recognisable, both at dawn and dusk and the day often punctuated with their loud alarm call, Tuk, Tuk, Tuk! Its usually the male that we hear, he has the loudest, most melodious tune, often perched in a high, visible spot to mark territory and attract a mate. His song is rich, almost meditative—unhurried and full of pauses. A female on the other hand, can and does sing, but is often in answer to a male or a few quieter notes whilst on the nest. Both are capable of a very loud alarm call too. A blackbird's song isn’t just background noise; it’s a soundscape that signals shifting light, changing weather, and the steady pulse of the natural world.
Nesting Habits & Clever Construction
Blackbirds can build multiple nests in a season. They prefer shrubs, hedges, or climbing plants with some coverage, but not too dense. What's fascinating is their ability to repurpose old nesting materials, not just their own but sometimes even bits from other species' discarded nests. Watching them select twigs, grass, and even bits of moss is so special, and its a privilege to be able to observe this. They do like a little mud too, it helps to waterproof the nest, so I'm making sure that I water a pot that is only full of soil and currently empty of plants. Though they still seem to favour the pots that I have planted up!
Females are the main architects and builders of the nests, while males often stay nearby to guard or distract predators. Eggs are typically laid between March and July, with chicks hatching after just two weeks. They can be seen using the same nest for another clutch in the same year.
Blackbird Folklore & Symbolism
In folklore, blackbirds are often seen as messengers between worlds—symbols of mystery, intuition, and transformation. In Celtic tradition, the blackbird was sacred and considered a guide to the 'Otherworld', its song believed to carry hidden knowledge.
In more domestic tales, a blackbird nesting near your home was said to bring good luck, especially if they returned to the same spot year after year. Some believed the blackbird’s song could soften a hardened heart or remind us to listen more deeply to the world around us.
Despite their name, not all blackbirds are entirely black—the males have sleek black feathers with a bright golden beak and eye-ring, while females are more subtle, warm brown tones to their plumage, often speckled on their breast. This difference in plumage adds to their charm as a pair: striking contrast, yet beautifully complementary.
Hope in the Hedgerow
This pair seems settled, and I’m hopeful they’ll raise a brood safely in the Chocolate vine this year. There’s something grounding about watching the same birds return—or at least, the same story unfold again. It feels like a quiet reassurance that life renews itself, even in the smallest moments. For now, I’ll keep watching, sketching, and listening.
Want to follow along?
New sketches, notes, and (hopefully!) a blackbird print are in the works. You’ll find more nature-inspired journaling and updates here—and on Instagram, along with print progress, fingers crossed!
