Bumble bee in Bluetit nest box (1 Viewer)

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luckyoldme

Member

• Apr 15, 2015

• #1

Hello all
We have had the pleasure of a Bluetit nesting in our camera box this year (first time in five years!), however the box was invaded by a queen Bumble Bee. Big scrap between Bee and female Bluetit took place. Queen left, but came back and I haven't seen her since, but have a nasty feeling she may have nested in a corner of the box, as I can occasionally hear faint, intermittent buzzing and have seen at least one worker bee come in who was chased off by the Bluetit. The Bluetit is coming in and roosting every evening regardless. So my question is, can I/should I interfere in some way, or is it down to nature to decide, and what is the likely outcome?

 

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PhilW

Well-known member

• Apr 15, 2015

• #2

Leave it be. There are plenty of Blue Tits and Blue Tit nesting boxes but Bumble Bees are suffering as are all Bees. I've got Bumble bees in one of my bird boxes and I'm happy to have them take over and enjoy watching there comings and goings.

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Apr 15, 2015

• #3

Hi there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum :t:

I agree with Phil. I'd leave it all be.

 

robinm

Registered User

• Apr 16, 2015

• #4

Hi and welcome to BirdForum. I hope you enjoy your time here :t:

 

chowchilla

Well-known member

• Apr 16, 2015

• #5

Greetings and a warm welcome to Birdforum. :t:

I agree with the others: leave the bee be.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Apr 16, 2015

• #6

Hi luckyoldme and a warm welcome from me too.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

Yes, I agree with others... let them get on with it and enjoy the battle (if there is one that is)!!

 

Kits

Picture Picker

Social Media Editor

• Apr 16, 2015

• #7

Welcome to BirdForum! I am sure you will find lots to interest you here, and I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

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luckyoldme

Member

• Apr 17, 2015

• #8

Thank you all for the warm welcome and advice. Yep, I have left well alone and let nature take its course. In this instance the Blue Tit has won out after laying eggs there was a right old scrap and the Bumble Bee Queen appears to has gone. Maybe she will come back later, when the BTs have finished? Either way, I will put out a box specifically for Bees next year!

 

Last edited: Apr 17, 2015

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Apr 17, 2015

• #9

I will put out a box specifically for Bees next year!

Click to expand...

That's an excellent idea luckyoldme!! Good luck to the Blue Tits, I hope they raise a successful brood.

 

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luckyoldme

Member

• Apr 17, 2015

• #10

She has just started sitting on the (we think) nine eggs today. I feel like a big kid again watching it