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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Nest box question! (1 Viewer)

TwoCrows

Member
I been maintaining a nest box for Juniper Titmice for several years now. This is their 3 season of using it and have raised successful broods
2 years in a row. Earlier this week they finished building the nest and the female has begun laying her eggs.

Here is my question...I have peeked inside the box 3 times this week checking/counting eggs. I am gentle and replace the fur cap she keeps over the eggs. While I am not manhandling the nest, I am moving it around a bit. I only did this when she and her mate were not around. I have now stopped because I am worried she knows and will become worried about predators. I don't think she is incubating yet. Did I scare her off, does she know something was messing with her eggs?

Thank you for any info or peace of mind you can give me! :)
 
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As I stated in my welcome message, the only safe way to know what is going on in a nest box is to use a camera that has been placed in the box prior to the birds using it. I don’t know if you scared them off or not, it is best to not go into the nest until after the incubation period has past by a while.
 
I know the Purple Martin Conservation Assn. encourages checking on a regular basis, but I'm uncomfortable doing that. I'd rather just keep my fingers crossed.
 
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