Each spring, for the last three years, a pair of blackbirds have been visiting our garden for food while nesting nearby. The male was distinctive in that he had white tail feathers. This year, they seem to have had only one baby which we saw several times when it was very young, then we didn't see it again for awhile.The parents also disappeared for several days. Then suddenly, the whitetailed male reappeared looking old and he seemed to have more white feathers appearing. We have not seen the female or the baby for awhile. A few days ago, the bird that we think is Whitetail landed on the birdbath outside our patio doors where I keep a camera set up. He looked quite tatty, not at all like the sleek bird we used to see, and had more white feathers on his body. We can't make up our minds if this is indeed our old friend who is getting old or, if this is the baby and not white tail at all. I'm not sure if the young would inherit the whitetail of the dad or not. This bird landed on the bath and sat so still for absolutely ages, first in an upright position and then, he took up the position in the second image of the two and just stayed like it for a good 10 minutes. He eventually flew away and we haven't seen any of the family for several days. I know Blackbirds have a lifespan of around 3 years so I am wondering if it was the original Whitetail and he just came for a final visit. If anyone out there is knowledgeable about the behaviour of Blackbirds I would welcome your opinion on whether this is a young or old bird and why it would have sat like this for so long - thankyou!