Blackbird chicks nest in bookcase at Brighouse garden centre
A family of blackbirds has taken residence in an unusual spot at Kershaw?s Garden Centre, Brighouse.
The birds have made a nest behind a plant pot in a bookcase at the entrance to the shop.
Several eggs have hatched and the parent birds can regularly be seen feeding the chicks.
Manager Liz Kenny said: ?We have had?many birds nesting?in and around the plants.
?But this is the first time that the eggs have hatched, especially in a noisy place where doors are opening and closing.?
The little flock made a pleasant addition to a visit by St Joseph?s School, Brighouse, who?visited the nest?and planted sunflowers for a tall plant growing contest.
Kershaw?s celebrates its 150th anniversary with a party on the weekend of August 2 and 3, with special offers, party games, stalls and donkey rides.
All proceeds go to?Overgate Hospice, Elland.
A bit about blackbirds
Blackbirds belong to the ?turdus? family.
They are ?true thrushes? and related to other thrushes.
Blackbirds are omnivorous feeding on insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits.
A native of Europe, Asia and North Africa, the blackbird has been introduced to Australia where it is considered a pest despite its mellifluous song.
Until the 17th century the species was known as the ?ouzel? or ?wosel?. The bird is mentioned in Shakespeare?s A Midsummer Night?s Dream: ?The Woosell cocke, so blacke of hew, with orenge-tawny bill.?
Common blackbirds live for an average of 2.4 years, although the oldest known example lived for 21 years, 10 months.
