Coal tits nesting in a ditch (1 Viewer)

[Torchepot]

Last week I noticed a Coal tit fly down into a ditch with a beak full of food - at first I thought maybe it was feeding a chick which had strayed there. Over the next 20 mins or so both birds visited the same spot numerous times and getting a little closer I could hear the nestlings calling as the adults arrived with food. Looking it up I read that they sometimes use mouseholes as nest sites - which came as a surprise. This particular nest is in a risky location as the ditch is full of water after heavy rain. Once I'm sure the chicks have fledged I'll try to get some photos.

 

[delia todd]

Many years ago (when I could go for long walks) I was on a moor near Dunkeld and saw Blue Tits going into a hole low down in the bank beside the path.

Never forgot that sighting.

It was a popular walk too, so attracted plenty of people and was also used as a vehicle track for the estate vehicles.