Post by suep on May 19, 2019 11:07:01 GMT
Well, very sad news today. I have been sat here since 7am and no sign of either parent. I took the decision to open the nest box in case there were chicks needing help and this is what I found:
A completely empty nest. I have no idea what has happened. I know there were chicks because a week ago I saw egg shell coming out. Feeding has been going on for days, albeit probably less than I feel was needed. Dad disappeared two days ago, but mum continued in and out with food by herself. Was out with granddaughters yesterday but on returning home watched the box and mum was still in and out. This morning - nothing........ Half an hour ago I decided to open the nest box and am absolutely at a loss as to what has happened. There is some poo in the nest but no other sign of what has happened. I can only assume that either my timings were totally out, which I don’t believe to be the case as it was obvious when feeding began and faecal sacs coming out. The chicks in my estimation would have been a week old yesterday. My only other guess is that the chicks were not doing well for one of many reasons and Dad gave up knowing it was a lost cause or was predated, and mum hasn’t coped. And the chicks have died and been taken out (though I haven’t seen this happen). To be honest I am totally at a loss as to what the reason is.
Feel really upset that I didn’t step in earlier but mum was still going backwards and forwards and I assumed trying her best. Now I am gutted. Season totally over for me. Just wish I knew what has happened. Don’t know if I can do this any more - way too stressful. Wish the rest of you loads of luck and I will try to keep up with all the ups and hopefully no more downs. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. Thank you all for listening.
Sue
A completely empty nest. I have no idea what has happened. I know there were chicks because a week ago I saw egg shell coming out. Feeding has been going on for days, albeit probably less than I feel was needed. Dad disappeared two days ago, but mum continued in and out with food by herself. Was out with granddaughters yesterday but on returning home watched the box and mum was still in and out. This morning - nothing........ Half an hour ago I decided to open the nest box and am absolutely at a loss as to what has happened. There is some poo in the nest but no other sign of what has happened. I can only assume that either my timings were totally out, which I don’t believe to be the case as it was obvious when feeding began and faecal sacs coming out. The chicks in my estimation would have been a week old yesterday. My only other guess is that the chicks were not doing well for one of many reasons and Dad gave up knowing it was a lost cause or was predated, and mum hasn’t coped. And the chicks have died and been taken out (though I haven’t seen this happen). To be honest I am totally at a loss as to what the reason is.
Feel really upset that I didn’t step in earlier but mum was still going backwards and forwards and I assumed trying her best. Now I am gutted. Season totally over for me. Just wish I knew what has happened. Don’t know if I can do this any more - way too stressful. Wish the rest of you loads of luck and I will try to keep up with all the ups and hopefully no more downs. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. Thank you all for listening.
Sue