It’s no good! I cannot resist sharing this photo of my garden visitors today. I just staggered into the kitchen with shopping bagged crammed full. Looking through the window I could clearly see a blackbird perched on the edge of the bath. As I unpacked much splashing began. Okay, the bath wasn’t as full as it could have been, but with overnight rainfall, again, it should have been sufficient for my feathered friend.

As this bird retreated to the safety of the flowering quince at the back of the garden, his place was taken by another blackbird, a girl this time. The day looked a little brighter, so I decided to try line drying today’s wash & hope that showers would hold off. I also checked out the bird bath & carried out a generous can full of fresh water to top up the water level!

Those few moments it took to achieve this were rewarded amply. I heard lots of splashing, the kind you hear by a duck pond, the frantic flapping & splashing of pure indulgence. What was in the bath now?

I’m pleased with the detail in this shot. You can see the moisture on the bird’s feathers. There was much splashing, then a lull, followed by a repeat of the bathing ritual. From the feather colours I guess this is a young blackbird.

Okay this is not a brilliant photo, nor a very elegant shot, but it shows the enthusiasm of my little bird. The bird bath is probably my favourite investment that I made in the garden. It provides so much entertainment & gives my feathered friends the chance to refresh too!