Blackbird ~ Turdus merula in the Mulberry Tree as the rain & sleet were falling yesterday. Identification ~ The commonest and most widespread member of the Thrush family In Ireland. The males's all black plumage and bright yellow bill is unmistakable, however females are much browner, with speckles on the upper breast and at first glance resemble a Song Thrush. Often cocks long tail when alarmed or when running along ground. Voice ~ One of the favourite songsters. Song is rather slow, mellow and fluty, the notes ranging widely and the sound quite far-carrying. The quality of sound resembles Song thrush, but the phrases do not repeat, but ramble on continually changing slightly. Calls include an agitated "chink, chink, chink" or "chack, chack..", a whinnying horse-like cry and a thin "psew" . Diet ~ Insects, especially earthworms. Also berries and other fruit including apples. Comes to bird table (he was after the red Siberian Crab Apples) Info from Birdwatch Ireland. Susan