Bald Blackbird!

We spotted this in the garden during dinner - rushed to get the camera - we were worried it was our regular Mr B in trouble. We were relieved to observe this was just an interloper passing through.

Apparently this condition can be caused by stress during the breeding season. A spokesman from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said it was rare to catch a bald bird on camera. 


Richard James, of the RSPB's Wildlife Enquiries Team,said: 'During the breeding season they go through a lot of stress and it can take its toll on their plumage.'

'They are more concerned with looking after their young and cannot look after themselves. The head is the most difficult to preen because they obviously can't reach it with their beak.'

Mr James said that many different birds could be affected by the problem, including other garden regulars such as robins and sparrows.  He said the bird's feathers should grow back at the end of the summer.