Since I was a boy, I've been in awe of the song of blackbirds, especially in midwinter, at the crack of dawn.
Introduced into south-eastern Australia in the 1850s, though we are already blessed with a multitude of wonderful birds, the blackbird amuses and charms. This book for children, by David Ross ( with lovely illustrations by Jennie Corbett ) published in 1968, is one of two by this author I've just lately found.
'Blackbird' is standing up for his right to exist in the domain of the resident thrush, hence 'Birdfight' as the title. Nature is a battle.
Thrushes are few, in Australia, and shy, but there are many other birds who will compete with this intelligent creature. I see them scurrying across the lawn, peering furtively from branches, their bright,spirited eyes alert to danger and opportunity.
Our blackbird, I'm relieved to report, finds his mate and lives to see his life throughout, tested by the world around him unscathed. Courage leads to continuity. The sparkle in his eye sees a dawn unending.
Hello Faisal:
ReplyDeleteNow our minds are full of 'The Beatles' singing this hauntingly melodic title. So many years since we have last heard it, but how perfectly it seems to provide a backdrop to your post.
We have never seen or read any books by David Ross and are immediately captivated by these charming drawings by Jennie Corbett. Nature is indeed a battleground with so many trials and tribulations to be overcome. The spirit cannot help but be uplifted when one notices, as in the case of your blackbird and his mate, their triumph over adversity. Who dares wins!!!
Hello Jane and Lance,
DeleteThe Beatles' song would have to be one of my favourite. It's amazing that the birdsong in that is exactly as I hear it now, here.
We all need to be a little plucky, don't we?
This looks a handsome book. Are the illustrations lithographs? We have a garden full of birds and the early morning birdsong from a blackbird, heard from our bedroom window, is a delight.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary,
Deleteit IS a handsome book, and the first time I've seen it. There are no details about the illustrations, or the illustrator, I'm afraid to say. Hearing blackbird song is one of the finest ways to wake up!
The illustrations are lovely!
ReplyDeleteThankyou Matthew. Jennie Corbett really seems to catch the blackbird character. I love her colour palette.
DeleteBeing a lover of children's literature, and the keeper of our school library (I do not have the qualifications to call myself a librarian) I enjoy finding books I am not familiar with. Is this book still in print. It sounds like a book I could find a lesson or two to present to the children. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie, I'm sure this isn't in print any more. The text, inevitably, sounds a little dated. I keep buying children's books, enjoying entering their charmed space.
DeleteDear Faisal,
ReplyDeleteI too like the blackbird. An immigrant to Australia - just like me. Other s came but did not thrive. It was all part of the climatisation society I think.
I always think that with his black feathers and dark yellow beak he strikes an extremely debonaire pose as he stalks the garden or sings his territory from a convenient tree. And he is a brave bird too - quite adept at driving away the neighbourhood cat. His more demure missus isn't bad looking either!
Dear Kirk, yes they're charmers! And they've been able to thrive here, in urban areas, at least.
DeleteMy Zara loves to chase them round the garden!
i've always loved the beatles song "blackbird singing in the dead of night" ...and one night, i heard it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard it too sometimes in the middle of the night, Velma, whether it's because of a moonlit sky or a sudden breach of light. Marvellous!
DeleteBeautiful illustrations, Faisal of a beautiful bird (and a favourite of mine). And with a happy ending to boot. How odd that they were introduced to Australia. Was it to remind early European immigrants of home, do you think? Or to fill a specific ecological niche? The former I should think. Dave
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think David, they were one of a host of creatures to remind immigrants of home, which most of them would never see again. Rabbits, foxes, starlings, sparrows, you name it, they're wandering around out there somewhere...
DeleteI've seen blackbirds in Australia but never in my garden, and I don't think I've ever heard them sing. Your book illustrations are lovely, it's one I haven't come across before. I collect children's books, though only Australian titles, and sometimes I realise that I'm missing out on lovely English titles - but I have to draw the line somewhere.
ReplyDeleteChildren's books are hard to ignore, Carol. I collect anything that catches my eye, but usually like nature as a theme. You're right, though, we have to draw a line somewhere or we'd never stop!
DeleteHello Faisal,
ReplyDeleteindeed the illustrations look wonderful I love the colours against the Blackbird
greetings from snow ;)
Hello Demie,
Deleteit's been a long time! Yes, it was the colours that first caught my attention. That cherry pink and the lime green look so good together.
I hope you are keeping well ( and warm )!
PS What's happened to your blog? Have you decided to do other things?
DeleteHere I don't have a garden, Faisal. So I know I'm unlucky not having flowers and such beautiful birds singing.:((( I would like to have a garden to grow up flowers and feed animals. That would be good especially for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteGardening always helps me forget the troubles of modern life, Sihirli, like medicine! I hope you and your daughter get a garden of your own before too long!
ReplyDeletewe don't have blackbirds up here.
ReplyDeletethe birds are few and far between up here this year, we have not had rain for around six months. I miss the golden whistler, and that brigade of blue wrens, and the constant tree creeper sounds. Although the sound of the firetail young nested on the front porch (and chirps of young reverberating through my house) is something I could do without.
there are many constant calls that I tollerate, that of the magpie, and the crows as they harass our chooks every day. And the cocky's, gallahs, and lorakeets as they strip our fruit from our garden each morning.
there was a red robin on our bird bath this morning, winter must be around the corner.
xt
t, we've not had enough rain either, but in my back garden I've got any number of blackbirds, smart and quick.
DeleteThe butcher birds have come out, with their new young. I've got willy-wagtails, thorn-bills, silver-eyes and pardalotes. I welcome any bird, though the Indian mynahs, bad-tempered, unattractive, aggressive, are hard to take!
X, Faisal.