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Post by Sheena on Apr 16, 2022 10:18:09 GMT
Hello everyone
We had no blue tits nesting in 2020 and 2021, in fact there seem to be far fewer around here. However, this year I got all excited because a blue tit began nest building about 4 weeks ago, during the warm spell. Then the weather turned much colder and she disappeared. I was hoping she would come back when it got warmer, but so far no luck and I suspect most blue tits are now laying eggs. So sadly this looks like another blank year. But I will be following how others are doing on this forum. How are others doing in this neck of the woods?
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Post by suep on Apr 16, 2022 11:15:23 GMT
Hello Sheena, what a disappointment to have a blue tit start to nest and then disappear. Maybe she will return  . If not welcome to my club the no nesters. I also am just having to keep up and enjoy others having nests. I do get a lot of enjoyment from it even though it is nothing like having your own to watch. Things may still turn around for you, good luck. Sue |
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Post by sammi on Apr 30, 2022 13:46:14 GMT
Hi Sheena, I hope you get some interest soon. I once had a nest start in May so don't give up hope.
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Post by Sheena on May 9, 2022 19:23:15 GMT
Well, much to my surprise, the blue tit has returned and laid some eggs! I assume it is the same bird, although of course I can't tell. However, I can see 2 or 3 eggs there in the last few days, so there may be more in the next week. I will keep you in touch. Sammi said she had a nest start in May but I had completely given up, so this is a delightful surprise.
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Post by Ann70 on May 9, 2022 19:57:45 GMT
Hi Sheena
I’m so happy to hear you have been lucky and got your blue tit back and egg laying
I know how you and sue feel with no luck but this year I do have an active nest chicks 7 / 9 days old I don’t have a camera but very pleased to have a nest to watch
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Post by Sheena on May 25, 2022 16:36:02 GMT
Well Mrs Blue Tit laid 7 eggs and 6 of them hatched on Monday. Yesterday, both parents were feeding them (although they ignored my offering of mini mealworms). However, it poured all this morning, only stopped at about 4pm and it looks as if the parents have abandoned the nest. A few of the chicks are still moving a little, but there are now insects coming into the nest which is not a good sign. I am afraid (as has happened before) that all of them will be dead shortly. It is always so sad when this happens. The first few days are absolutely critical and the weather hasn't been kind here, not only raining but windy and chilly. So signing off for another year.
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Post by sammi on May 25, 2022 19:49:34 GMT
Oh that is so sad. I'm hoping against hope that the parents show up and manage to save some.
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Post by Ann70 on May 26, 2022 4:39:06 GMT
Sorry to hear this rather sad out come to the blue tit nest, very upsetting for you
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Post by Sheena on May 27, 2022 11:35:26 GMT
Well good news, I was premature in writing off the chicks and blaming Mrs Bluetit for abandoning them. She did come back that night (was away for at least 3 hours) and both parents are now feeding them. The seventh egg seems to have hatched (though I wouldn't expect that chick to make it in the end). Both parents are steadfastly ignoring the mealworms I am putting out (the blackbirds are enjoying them, so not wasted). But they seem to be bringing in enough food. Lovely day here at last.
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Post by Sheena on May 27, 2022 11:51:18 GMT
Here is a not very good photo (try and count the chicks!). I have the app (XMEye) on both my phone and the ipad but can't find where the photos go so I've ended up taking a photo of the Ipad using my phone! Well, better than nothing.  |
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Post by Sheena on May 27, 2022 11:52:06 GMT
Hmm I thought the photo would be in the post, not just the link
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benn
Senior Member
Posts: 138
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Post by benn on May 27, 2022 15:18:29 GMT
Hi Sheena If you press edit you will see various icons at the top of the page. Click on the picture one and copy the link address into the box and press "insert image"  |
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Post by Sheena on May 29, 2022 16:25:29 GMT
Thank you benn. Chicks still seem to doing OK, still looks like 7 to me
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Post by suep on May 29, 2022 18:52:28 GMT
Well done for getting the picture up (we don’t care how it’s done - just lovely to see). I wouldn’t have a clue how many, I would have to wait and count the beaks as they get a bit older.  Sue |
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Post by Sheena on Jun 4, 2022 11:35:22 GMT
On Thursday (that is 10 days after hatching), there were 4 big and strong and 3 much smaller. You won't be surprised to hear that over the past few days, the number feeding has reduced to 4 and it may even be 3. Their wings now have feathers and their bodies are beginning to feather. I will try and post a few photos... Another week to go before they fledge and as usual they are ignoring my offerings of mealworms (but the sparrows and blackbirds - and even a jackdaw - have enjoyed them).
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Post by Sheena on Jun 4, 2022 11:45:55 GMT
 You can see the very small one at the top - that was the first one to die. I think, though not sure, that the parents may have taken the dead chicks out of the nest. PS my hand is not in the nest, it is just a reflection when taking the photo! |
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Post by Sheena on Jun 4, 2022 11:51:10 GMT
This is today's photo. Definitely only 4 gapes, and the one on the bottom right is looking very still....  |
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Post by hfriel on Jun 4, 2022 18:36:53 GMT
Oh that’s sad Sheena. Hope the remaining 3 make it 🙏🏻
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Post by sammi on Jun 5, 2022 7:44:13 GMT
I hope they make it.
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Post by Taz on Jun 5, 2022 10:40:15 GMT
Oh no, fingers crossed for those three 🤞🤞
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Post by Ann70 on Jun 5, 2022 11:49:24 GMT
Hope the trio make it and you see them fledge safely 😊
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Post by suep on Jun 5, 2022 14:22:23 GMT
Am so hoping the final three make it Sheena  Sue |
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. If not welcome to my club the no nesters. I also am just having to keep up and enjoy others having nests. I do get a lot of enjoyment from it even though it is nothing like having your own to watch. Things may still turn around for you, good luck.
