On approach to these boxes in previous years the adults have invariably
left the nest before or whilst the ladder is erected and the
box opened. Even whilst examining the first box,
the remaining boxes are normally vacated too.
This year, of 8 occupied nests, 5 still had a sitting adult after the
box was tapped quite vigorously and opened up.
The progress of these nests was not recorded since it is unwise to touch
or lift this species from the nest.
We have experienced an extremely cold and windy early spring so far and, subjectively, it did seem that the nests were particularly bulky
this year, with the boxes being completely packed with material and nest cup
very close to the base. It seems
possible that this, together with the tightly sitting adults, may be a result of the cold conditions and that the birds have reacted to the weather to
provide maximum protection for their eggs and young.
In those nests where the adult was not sitting, the development of eggs
and young was only slightly behind last
year in spite of the cold and windy conditions this spring. The progress of the 5 nests will hopefully be
revealed once feeding begins.
ajd
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