Who's the daddy? Birds who break the rules

Just a year or two ago I had to move a bird nesting box (letter box type) and as it was almost nesting time I hurriedly fastened it to an ivy-clad fence. I was pleased to note that it was quickly claimed by a pair of robins.

They soon had their nest built but it was almost three weeks before the eggs appeared. About then a pair of blackbirds built their nest in the ivy just above and alongside the nesting box. In fact, the base of their nest was just touching the box, so they were only about a foot apart.

All four robin eggs hatched and both parents worked hard to supply food. The chicks were being fed at about one minute intervals.

All was going well and I took little interest for the next few days but one morning I was only a few yards away from the nests when the cock blackbird flew onto a low wall nearby carrying a beakful of insects. He was slightly agitated by my presence and as I thought the blackbird eggs had hatched I stood quite still, expecting to see him feed his brood. He was quickly reassured and flew into the ivy but surprised me by heading to the box rather than his own nest. Clinging to the box – his size prevented entering – he quickly fed the young robins.

Thinking I had just witnessed a lovely example of good neighbourliness, I wondered if I would be lucky enough to ever see such an occurrence again and two hours later over a cup of tea I watched carefully from a vantage point. The cock blackbird reappeared and repeated the ritual. It was only over the next day or so that I realised the robin parents were no longer in attendance. I then kept a closer observation.

The chicks were now being fed solely by the blackbird at intervals of 10 to 15 minutes. At dusk he flew in and clung to the box opening to shelter the brood. I was careful not to disturb him at night

in case the chicks were chilled without their limited protection.

The weather was very dry so I dug a patch of garden hoping the newly- turned soil would be helpful in his solo efforts to supply food. About a week later the robins fledged and I did see the odd one being fed at different points over just two days. The next day we had a torrential downpour and I thought they would be lucky to survive.

The blackbird eggs all hatched around this time and were successfully reared. The pair of blackbirds went on to rear another later brood so it was a non-stop summer for one of the pair. I do think he had driven the rightful parents away.

From: Charlie Bramald, School Lane, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield.

From: Jill Hornby, Brookfield, Hampsthwaite. Member of the Nidderdale High School Horse Show Committee.

I read with interest Sarah Todd's column on Saturday, April 24 and I wholeheartedly agree with what she has said regarding local horse shows.

Although probably too far for Sarah, it is worth mentioning that Nidderdale High School Horse Show aims to be a local friendly show with the usual showing and jumping classes; along with additional classes including, men only, happy hacker, ride and bike, beginners showing (grooming and turnout to be riders' own work) and lots more. Sunday, July 4, Nidderdale Showground, Pateley Bridge www.niddhorseshow.co.uk – all profits go to Nidderdale High School.

CW 8/5/10