In the last month, I have observed four blackbirds eating large slugs. They spend a long time wiping them from side to side on the ground and then, as the one in the photo, cut them in smaller pieces - possibly to feed nestlings. I was alerted to the presence of this one in my garden by my cat, and I had time to snap a single shot before the blackbird picked up the slug and flew away.
We have a lot of Blackbirds and a lot of slugs but I have never observed this behaviour. I wonder if there is a way to teach the birds...
ReplyDeletei've seen a blackbird taking all our slugs away and thank god we finally have a natural predator and no need to use slug pellets. I cut the grass really low to expose the slimy critters and at one point a blackbird took away at least 6 junior slugs after he cleaned each one. they even go into our potato plantation and find them there. if we see any we just throw the slugs onto the grass in the hope a blackbird will take the unwanted bounty. thankfully very little vegetable damage this year
ReplyDeletei've seen a blackbird taking all our slugs away and thank god we finally have a natural predator and no need to use slug pellets. I cut the grass really low to expose the slimy critters and at one point a blackbird took away at least 6 junior slugs after he cleaned each one. they even go into our potato plantation and find them there. if we see any we just throw the slugs onto the grass in the hope a blackbird will take the unwanted bounty. thankfully very little vegetable damage this year
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