Bluetits nesting (1 Viewer)

[ThomasW]

It is hard sometimes watching everything on camera, you get the highs and the lows, one year we had 5 great tit chick's and none survived, a cold snap and her mate disappeared, hope the rest do well.

Yes, it is indeed hard. As of day 14 only 2 are surviving. On the plus side, they both seems active & hungry for food.

 

[ThomasW]

No matter how hard she tries to clear the nest,
the body just won't go through the hole.

(I hope this plays)

 

[ThomasW]

OK, I'm bracing myself, as I'm sure someone will disagree with my action, but...

This morning I checked the box camera and there was no sign of the chicks! A quick look around the garden and one was spotted huddled in a corner the other pitifully hopping around. I have to say here that it is a very exposed section of garden.

I waiting a little while but no sign of the parents. What do I do? 🤔
I know the neighbour has a cat.
They're just 19 days old so chances of survival outside would be very slim.

I bit the bullet and gently collected the 2, placing them back in the box.

After about 5 mins the female returned with food, and all seems to be well. She's been back a few times since.

I see what appears to be a problem in that the nest material is very high, meaning it's not a great leap for the chicks up to the entrance hole. Obviously how they got out. They seem quite active!

I know, in theory, the message is leave alone but...

 

[ThomasW]

Sadly this is the last for this year 😢

After relocating the youngsters, & parents continuing the feeding (well apparently), sadly 1 passed away last night, the other this morning.
The female continued to bring food early morning but the remaining chick just wasn't interested.

I suspect that the fall from the nest must have had a greater effect than was shown. After all, a fall of some 6ft on to hard surface, for chicks less than 20 days old, must have been a shock.

The parents have now given up and left.

Nature can be hard.
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[Kits]

Blue tits fledge at around 18-21 days, so I think they had fledged and not fallen from the nest.

You may find this interesting.

Eurasian Blue Tit - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

 

[ThomasW]

Blue tits fledge at around 18-21 days, so I think they had fledged and not fallen from the nest.

You may find this interesting.

Eurasian Blue Tit - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

Thanks for the info & I'm not disagreeing in principle, though reviewing camera footage it's clear they both hit the ground with a considerable thump.

 

[Pee-wee Pete]

Thanks for the info & I'm not disagreeing in principle, though reviewing camera footage it's clear they both hit the ground with a considerable thump.

Sorry for yours and their loss.
I fear the same about such things, for I am building a nest box now, for Spring (Australia).