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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 15, 2020 11:18:50 GMT
Thanks Paul, I will hang on to that story of hope and will continue to keep an eye out for the next week or so. I do recall the nest that was built in one day. I do hope Beaktrix will be back.... I got my bag of newly sheered wool from my neighbour just this morning and I've placed it out at my three feeding areas, so whether the birds nest at my house, or elsewhere, their young will be nice and cosy, and hopefully prosper, and maybe next year, they'll try my gaff out. The thing is the birds are not scared of me at all...they come right down to me, and feed even when I'm standing right beside them. I find this amazing. When I was putting out the wool a Bluetit nearly landed on my hand...I'm not joking!! So, they obviously recognise what is a threat, and what is not. Oh I really do hope she comes back - or another bird does.  Benn, yes, didn't like seeing the wasp take a shine to that sideview box...the sideview style boxes are simply a perfect spot for a wasps nest though...warm, dry and a long horizontal shelter. If we were into that kind of thing I could have moved the camera to show the wasps nest being built...that would have been cool I suppose. They would totally put off any prospective nesting bird though - thats a fact!! No sir-ee, can't have that!!! The Queen has been back just once this morning, and she didn't stay....so she didn't like what she saw....the soap worked, so I'm pleased about that. Normally she would have been in and out dozens of times by now. Well...at least something liked the sideview box!!!!! |
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Post by sammi on Apr 16, 2020 5:53:15 GMT
Hi GBH. I missed the tip about soap I think to guard against wasp nests. Where do you apply it? Just to the ceiling?
Watching the acrobatics of birds taking wool etc is good entertainment I find. Hope you get some good nesting news soon.
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 16, 2020 6:44:11 GMT
Hi Sammi, you rub the bar of soap along the inside of the roof/ceiling of the birdbox, or any place where a wasp might see an opportunity to attach the anchor point for starting her nest...I put a bit near the corners of the walls too.
Wasps nests typically hang down vertically, so its only necessary to rub the soap on to the potential areas where they might gain purchase for a nest, so its not needed down the sides of the walls or floor.
Another tip is to use an essential oil around the entrance and general area of the outside of the box, such as a citrus scent or a mint scent, or eucalyptus etc, as apparently they really don't like that either....but I didn't want to use that just yet in case it ruins the box with oil.
A another tip is to rub a scent along your window openings to deter them coming into
house in late Summer.
Love the smell of all of those, so I must not have been a wasp in my past life!!!
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 17, 2020 6:52:37 GMT
Ha,ha!! Look what I woke up to this morning....no fear of the wasps anymore I feel!!!  And here is the culprit!!  She's a big one!!!! |
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Post by Amanda on Apr 17, 2020 9:38:29 GMT
Eeeeeek!
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Post by WildlifePaul on Apr 17, 2020 10:41:06 GMT
Everything but the birds loving the side box GBH!  |
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 19, 2020 12:31:19 GMT
Well...a bit of positive news. Today I did a daily check on my Aldi box at the end of the garden. Its attached to the wooden shed and connected up to a TV in the shed. There is some change!!! Sorry, dreadful picture, but there has been some nesting material brought in by something:  I'm currently sitting in the shed with a cup of tea watching the TV screen hoping to catch sight of any activity. I have yet to ascertain what bird has shown an interest; but I'm guessing a Sparrow just because of the straw and what looks like curly leaves? What do you guys think? Quite different to a Blue or Great tits usual material of moss etc... So, now!!! We'll see where this goes!!! I hope it develops into something. Zero activity in the other two boxes other than the massive spider had created a tunnel Web in the sideview box. Actually quite interesting watching her work. She's keeping those wasps our so I'm in not bothered by her at all. I assume if a bird decides to take the box, the bird will just barge its way in and win??? Edited to add a picture of "Charlotte":  |
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Post by suep on Apr 19, 2020 12:44:07 GMT
Charlotte - that’s not a name for a big scarey spider . - I think it should be Spooky 2 cause they give me the spooks  Intriguing what’s started building in your shed box, be lovely if someone gives you a nest  Really hope so GBH. Sue |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2020 13:07:40 GMT
Hmm We have one about 2.5 inches in diameter that comes out and lurks around our front room in October. It is called Boris. When I am watching TV it will run over towards me, stop and scowl at me for a few minutes then bugger off. Boris has attitude  |
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Post by springtime 66 on Apr 19, 2020 13:14:57 GMT
I’m excited for you GBH, I’m anxiously waiting to read a post with some positive news for you
I would like to know your name I feel rude calling you G B H
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 19, 2020 14:16:27 GMT
Thanks folks. Haven't seen any movement yet. Dying to know what it is though.
Happy to be called GBH!!! Not rude at all...didn't realise when picking my name that it would also mean "Grievous bodily harm". Ha, ha!!
(Having had 1st hand experience of a "friend" stalking me online before I prefer to maintain a bit anonymity. Since then I'm cautious to post any notable up ever again.)
Benn, I think you might be a fan of 'The Who' perhaps!! "Boris the Spider"?
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Post by WildlifePaul on Apr 19, 2020 15:16:48 GMT
Hmm, Could be a sparrow GBH.
The male normally brings a little material in when he's trying to attract a female to the box, Normally you'll see him hanging around the box calling though if its a sparrow.
Mainly during the morning time.
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Post by petesbox on Apr 19, 2020 15:24:41 GMT
Thats good GBH, i hope it carries on for you whatever it is.
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Post by Taz on Apr 19, 2020 16:05:03 GMT
Ooh, a sparrow would be great. We don't get any sparrows here, unless you count the Dunnocks, there are usually 3 squabbling around the garden.
Fingers crossed that the mystery is solved soon.
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 19, 2020 17:00:17 GMT
I have seen a Sparrow around the garden... Spent 2 hours sitting in the shed went in to get something to eat. Came back out and the leaves were gone and moss had been brought in. Missed it!!! Ha, ha!!  Could be a Blue Tit afterall ...? Can't get a great photo unfortunately. |
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Post by WildlifePaul on Apr 19, 2020 17:20:22 GMT
Keep us posted GBH, Could also be a male Wren he builds up to 7 nests. You won't know until you see it though so keep your eyes peeled. This isn't the Aldi box is it? |
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 19, 2020 17:32:06 GMT
It is the feckin Aldi box, yes!!! Ha, ha!!! Oh the irony!!!
Sitting here now in the shed with camera at the ready...moved onto beer.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2020 17:32:36 GMT
Benn, I think you might be a fan of 'The Who' perhaps!! "Boris the Spider"? Although I am familiar with many of the well known Who tracks, Boris the Spider is one that escapes me. Always name spiders with that name. I realise it must be a different Boris each year but why are they always so bloody big? And why do they always seem to glare at me? |
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Post by WildlifePaul on Apr 19, 2020 21:26:09 GMT
It is the feckin Aldi box, yes!!! Ha, ha!!! Oh the irony!!! Sitting here now in the shed with camera at the ready...moved onto beer. After 8 years of no nest for you it finally might pull through? |
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Post by matt on Apr 20, 2020 8:26:49 GMT
Everything crossed here GBH, what a turnaround if it carries on!
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 20, 2020 9:18:51 GMT
Drum roll please...... The bird that has been attempting to build a nest is...... a Great Tit!!  I'm thrilled to bits, I absolutely LOVE Great Tits.... the nest has come on already this morning. But unfortunately, I don't hold out any hope that this bird will stay, due to the frustratingly, annoying matter of Spooky the cat.  It is quite unbelievable really, already this morning, I have seen her inexplicably try to scale up the Laylandii hedge, which is growing right beside the box - she has NEVER done this before today....and then, she sat for a long period of time under the box. Never did that before either. WTF?  Honestly, this cat has been sent by some higher being to test and vex every last nerve I have. I'm really trying to be patient here for benefit of the rest of the household who love her being here. But I'm ashamed to say, I wished her gone this morning.  She has been here for weeks now and why is she suddenly doing this? The VERY thing that will once again jeopardise any chance I have this year. Beggars belief.  |
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Post by petesbox on Apr 20, 2020 9:29:54 GMT
Is the box quite high up GBH.
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 20, 2020 9:44:37 GMT
Its just under the eave of a standard wooden garden shed - so approx 1.8 metres up? (6ft) So, not too low but not too high either - she wouldn't be able to jump from the ground to it or be able to get to it from the roof. I thought it was very safe. But when I saw the cat climbing up the hedge I nearly burst a blood vessel. I'm not sure if she could make a jump from the hedge to the front box though...I'm sure she will try though.  I think her presence there at all will be enough to put the Great Tit off. - although, I'm sure its been watching our movements for a while now. It wouldn't have chosen the spot if it thought there was a danger???  But I could say that for my Topview box too - both the BlueTit and I didn't think a cat could come at it from above it. I've seen all possibilities now through a cats eyes. Relentless Feckers.... We are honestly thinking about an electric fence type set up to keep her away....don't think there is such a thing though!!! |
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Post by springtime 66 on Apr 20, 2020 9:49:44 GMT
 WOW this is so exciting for you, i think if you want to see this nest through, its best to keep the cat in, I'm sure that is the way forward. the cat will still be fed and cared for the cat is causing a lot of stress for you 
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 20, 2020 9:59:23 GMT
Lol!!! Yes, it is causing a lot of stress....it would be different if I had wanted a cat, but I didn't. The cat is a lovely little thing though, which makes it so hard!!! She's a sweet heart really except for her killer ways. The perfect psychopath.
Anyway, Keeping her indoors is not a option, for a couple of reasons, but the main one is I'm completely allergic to cats....I'm already dosed up to the eye balls with anti-histamines as it is with her just being near me.
I will adjust and re-direct, and we work around the problem.
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WOW this is so exciting for you, i think if you want to see this nest through, its best to keep the cat in, I'm sure that is the way forward.