Nestbox still in use? (1 Viewer)

[Joe Glencoe]

I have a nestbox in my garden which was being used by a wee wren in the summer. After the chicks had successfully fledged and the wren had long disappeared I checked the box and removed an abondoned egg. Yesterday I went to take it down to clean it, and there are two more tiny eggs in it. There doesn’t seem to be any parent about as far as I’ve seen. I’m hesitant to clear it out and clean it if something is currently using it, but I do need to give it a clean before spring. Not quite sure what to do?

 

[delia todd]

Hi Joe and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. That really is strange. The only species I know that lay eggs, just about every month of the year are Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons, but they would be too big for that box I would think. Worth keeping an eye out to see if you can spot who it is. Just another wee thought is perhaps a squirrel or even a Jay perhaps has found some eggs and is caching them there for the winter???

All things Scottish can be found here. Also, keep an eye on threads titled something like Scottish Bashes; we try to meet up occasionally and they're always great fun. You'd be most welcome to join us on another if you can manage.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I’m not sure a squirrel or jay would be able to fit in the nest box to cache eggs?

 

[Joe Glencoe]

Thanks. I can’t see either of them getting in, probably, the wren pretty much filled the hole as it was!

 

[delia todd]

They wouldn't have to enter it, just drop it through the hole.

That's if the egg isn't bigger than the hole of course!

 

[Joe Glencoe]

I see 😀 no they’re not. I guess if there’s no sign of any parent incubating them I’m good to clean it out.