The evidence was spread over the grass - black feathers, lots of them. The Sparrow Hawk had struck. Cats don't leave this kind of evidence. At least this blackbird lost its life to feed a hungry bird rather than a fat cat. I thought he deserved a small memorial. There are a pair of blackbirds that feed close to the house where I have my feeding station. Both of them have one white feather on their back so are easily identified, I was sad to think that this was one of this pair who have been around all winter, but I saw them both this morning, not that it makes any difference to this blackbird's mate. A sad little note I know. More cheerful next time!
Just to cheer you up here is Kate Bush singing with a blackbird from her 2005 album Aerial. I played this track to my class one year to demonstrate bird song and they loved it - I love the whole album. Very uplifting.
9 comments:
Jill,
What a fabulous post. Sad for the blackbird of course but it's lovely that you recorded his untimely demise in such a creative way. I love the journal page very much... and as for the Kate Bush track! well I never quite got Kate Bush, don't know why, but I thought this was great. I'm going to check out the album and might treat myself to it. I've just watched a buzzard on a post in my garden for the past 10 minutes but he scarpered when I reached for the camera. Thankfully they mainly take carrion so I can report that all my blackbirds are present and correct... for the moment! Enjoy the rest of this lovely weekend. Lesley.
Wow, wow and wow, I'm blown away by this incredible creative piece of work, you are so talented Jill. Thanks for sharing it.
As a cat owner, it was almost a relief to know that it was a Sparrow Hawk who had "done the deed"............
Sometimes birds take revenge though, as my cat Pickle knows only too well. He had obviously "introduced" himself to the little owls in our oak tree and they spent last summer taking revenge on him. I swear he grew wings and "flew" one day at around mid-day, ears back, running to me whilst Mrs Little Owl chased him across the lawn.........
Great Kate Bush track, I hadn't heard it and thought it wonderful.............
what a great piece with the blackbird and I love the flowers from yesterday
hi hun love all your creations on here and the flowers are gorjus just to let you know I have now posted my march page on my blog hugs cheryl xx
http://cheryl-cherylscreativeatcscards.blogspot.com/
Yes, cats are so very destructive. We always keep ours in overnight, to try and limit the damage. Our last cat stole Mrs Robin from her nest, where she was sitting on eggs. We felt so guilty and quite heartbroken for our dear Mr Robin... we love our garden birds too.
Sorry for your poor blackbird, and his mate.It's early in the season, so at least he's got the chance to recover and find a new mate... I suppose birds have this capacity to ensure their species continues... they can't afford to grieve all summer.
It's lovely that you have recorded the event so beautifully - at least something good came of it (other than breakfast for a hungry kestrel!).
I never heard that Kate Bush track before. It's so interesting. Have you seen/heard the You-Tube video of the composition based on birds on the telephone wires? Can't remember who/where right now, but could find it. It's great!
Oh how sadly beautiful that you made an obituary for that bird. Simply poetic.
I met a friend at the garden centre today, I hadn't been there in a while and they have built a new cafe/restaurant and its called The Walled Garden! - it made me think of you. I can't wait to see the next installment of your Walled Garden story.
What a lovely tribute - "simply poetic" as Sandra said, describes it perfectly. A whole story is told in your elegant work. That handwriting is so gorgeous too.
Great creation!
Blessings to you and yours,
Tonya
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