For the last couple of days this male blackbird has been tucking into our garden crab apples. He has a technique. Using his beak like a dagger, he jabs downwards with great vigour, slicing off morsels. Sometimes, though, he ends up with a mouthful he cannot swallow, which then requires a descent to the garden path where sets about cutting the apple down to size. All part of the morning’s seasonal entertainment at the Farrell establishment.
Lens-Artists: ‘A’ This week Patti asks us for subjects that start with the letter ‘A’.
Tish Farrell 
Those are amazing pictures – he is very determined!
Very determined, Meg 🙂
These photos make smile..busy bird eating apples.
Oh these are great photos 😀
Thanks, Cee 🙂
Lovely shots Tish. I confess I find our local bird life much more entertaining than most TV offerings.
I second that – birds beat the tele wings down (or up).
Fabulous photos Tish. Blackbirds are rare here, I think I have only seen two in almost 5 years!
We seem to have quite a few around us. But lots of other common species are never seen – chaffinches, thrushes being noticeably absent. Starlings sometimes sighted flying by.
These photos make smile..busy bird eating apples.
It is a happy sight.
The crabapples look small..or is the black bird big.
They are small – grape size 🙂
Love the series, Tish. I initially read “apple sniffing” so it was different from what I expected to see. 🤭😂
You’re making me wonder if birds sniff the apples 🙂
unique and beautiful entertainment at your distinguished establishment indeed 🙂
Thank you, Klara
Nice shots, Tish.
Cheers, Thom.
Ditto, Great shots.
Thanks, Stephen.
Wonderful series, Tish. The bird looks very well-fed! I’m glad you joined us!
Always happy to join you, Patti. Always a very good place to be – with the Lens-Artists 🙂
😀
Great photos Tish. I can see how he would be entertaining!
Alison
Tish you should be exporting apples to Nairobi 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
How very considerate of him to create the perfect A opportunity for you this week Tish! Love his yellow beak against the red of the crabapples!
He was a very Accommodating Avian, Tina 🙂
Love the colourful contrast between bird and fruit. A black beauty appearing coy in one and then more resplendent set against his rosy halo in the next.
You have a way with words, sir. (I’ve noticed that before) 🙂
Thank you. Takes one to know one!
Magnifique !
Merci beaucoup! Les pommes sauvages et un merle avide 🙂
Pretty good entertainment, too.
Great shots of your determined snaffler. 😃
Thank you, Sylvia. My bedroom window doesn’t have quite the range of exciting vistas as your bathroom!
😅
what a feast he is having, hope he shares with other blackbirds!
He seems not to be sharing, but then there are apples everywhere along the field edge.
phew (on behalf of the other birds!!)
Great shots of this beauty, Tish. Entertainment could not be better! I offer apples to mine as well. We have quite many of them in my garden. He is also our national bird!
Thank you, A-C. And now I can think of you whenever I spot our blackbird. I didn’t know he was your national bird 🙂
😀 and a much loved harbinger of spring! His clear and melodious voice is an unmistakable sign of the light coming back.
You’ve done a nice bit of conjuring there, A-C.
Ha! Excellent! Don’t look back, the apple snafflers might be gaining on you!! 🙂
Ho-ho! Snaffled! (Thanks, John)
Lovely captures Tish.
Thank you.