Post by Beechnut on Apr 15, 2020 17:47:21 GMT
I'm afraid I have bad news to report - it seems that I shall probably have the first season for 15 years that none of my birdboxes will have anything to hatch and fledge.
After a morning of normality, with Meg doing egg turning, cup cleaning, nest tidying, tight sitting and comfort breaks, she left the box at 12:06 and hasn't returned since.
As Mac has been several times this afternoon back to the box with a tit-bit, calling to Meg and flying away when there was no response, I can only assume that she has been predated.
I have had a male predated some years ago, half way through the rearing stage, but never a female. The only consolation, is that I can't be sure that either of the eggs were viable, so it may be a blessing in disguise.
It looks as if I shall just be a spectator this year, unless I am lucky enough to get late or second nesting.
Good Luck to those still waiting for a nest and others who are between nest building and hatching.
After a morning of normality, with Meg doing egg turning, cup cleaning, nest tidying, tight sitting and comfort breaks, she left the box at 12:06 and hasn't returned since.
As Mac has been several times this afternoon back to the box with a tit-bit, calling to Meg and flying away when there was no response, I can only assume that she has been predated.
I have had a male predated some years ago, half way through the rearing stage, but never a female. The only consolation, is that I can't be sure that either of the eggs were viable, so it may be a blessing in disguise.
It looks as if I shall just be a spectator this year, unless I am lucky enough to get late or second nesting.
Good Luck to those still waiting for a nest and others who are between nest building and hatching.