Blackbird Turdus merula

Poorly documented. Fairly common breeding resident and sometimes abundant passage migrant with some migrants over-wintering.

The first documented breeding record was in 1930 (Pennington et al. 2004). In the late 1950s – early 1960s up to 12 pairs were recorded breeding (Pennington et al. 2004).

A few males have been seen holding territory in some years, although breeding has not always been confirmed.

There is, as expected, a marked increase in numbers in spring and autumn during passage. Usually single into early double figures in the March and April, with numbers occasionally reaching three figures in October and November.

The highest spring count was 53, on the 22^nd March, 1997. Between the 15^th and 19^th October, 2001, there was a maximum count of 500 birds. In 2002, there were 100 on several dates through mid-October and fresh falls in early November brought 200 on 3^rd, and 500 on 4^th.