Matt's boxes 2021 BANANARAMA

Well I really don't know what is going on now, but it doesn't seem too promising. Female has not been sighted since yesterday morning, but Tony has popped in a few times, both yesterday afternoon and this morning, and appears to be looking for her. I don't know whether that means she has just moved on, or something has happened. If the former, I would have expected Tony to follow her, so who knows?

Matt, the word saga does sum Tony & Elvira up very well - it's enough to drive you to drink! Anyway, I hope nothing has happened to Elvira, but the not knowing whether she's alright or not is obviously driving you to distraction.

Fingers crossed for you matt, I think she's teasing you 🤞

Taz

Is the stream on Matt? I have nothing to going down at my place so will enjoy yours!

Stream is off, Karen - I think she has abandoned this one. Tony popped in twice yesterday looking for her, but she didn't appear - we are on day 3 without her now. Don't think it is a pre-laying break, because the nest is far from finished - she took about half out the morning after her busy day and then left. I got the impression she was never super comfortable there after the fight. Bit (very!) disappointing to be honest - this has definitely been the most hectic rollercoaster of a year of hopes and dashed hopes! Never say never, of course, so I'll keep on looking out for her.

Mad isn't it Karen? I'm not sure friends/family understand how gutting it really is after preparing, and then waiting all year for it! The funny thing was that I was always pessimistic, and my oldest boy (11) was taking the mickey out of me, asking me what percentage certainty I had for a nest. It was always < 50% after the fight, until that last night when she had spent all day building, and I told him 95% happening! And then she left the next morning... what on earth goes through their heads? It is possible, of course, that something happened to her - Tony has kept looking for her in the box, and if she had moved on then I would have thought he would have followed her?

It is Matt, I dont no any one else who is that keen on this sort of thing and they dont 'get it' why I get excited or sad, you get to know them in a way and care for them and just love having them around. I really hope she is ok, perhaps another male has taken her, who knows? It will all play out, maybe Tony may find a new female and start a late nest. Last year it was amazing to get my own nest but I always took it one day at at time from start to finish literally, each day I could hardly believe my luck when I switched the cam on and there she was, it really is like winning the lottery and to have a successful fledging is just amazing . I know it will happen for you again but I know the wait is agonising. I really thought I would get one this year with my rooster being a female and showing some positive signs but it just goes to show they dont really follow the 'rule book'  For now though she is still roosting despite seeing her collecting soft material so I think she will go to roost in her nest to lay eggs any time now  

Never say never! We'll see if she shows up again.. but not seen now for 3 days. Tony is still coming, though, and was actually inside the box 3 or 4 times today as well. He has also taken to sitting above the box (yes, gutters need a clean!!). What does it mean? I have no idea, he is not really calling much, either. Just sitting there..

Matt, totally and utterly gutted for you.  Looks as though Tony is as perplexed as you are.  My family don’t get the excitement and pleasure these little birds give us either.  When I wanted a box up the minute we moved I was given the “I think there are more important things need doing first” -  um, no, not to me.  They just don’t get it, that’s why this forum is so important to all of us on here with all the ups and downs we just ‘get it’ and understand each other’s pleasures and disappointments.  The anticipation and hope each year and the waiting for each spring to come around is something only like minded people will truly understand.  Really really hoping that Elvira turns up safe and sound  .  
Sue

Thanks all - yeah, crazy isn't it! Just to get back on the rollercoaster again, she turned up with Tony this morning and went inside 
She didn't do much, but they were both hanging around for an hour or so and popping in and out.. I'm 99% sure this is the same female as was building, as well - check out the following 2 pics and see what you think:

1. This morning:


2. About 4 days ago, when she was still actively building all day:

I think she's just teasing me again, Ann, but I have left the motion detector on so I will know if she comes back again (not yet). Yes, I think the spot on her left cheek is a giveaway, so I wonder what she has been up to for the last 3 days??

She sounds exactly like Meggie Matt, Our second female!
Didn't see her for 4 days turned up yesterday started building again and today she's brought a little more in.
I am still unsure whether i'll get a full nest out of her but it certainly sounds the same what your female is doing!
Its just weird here because my first female is well into egg laying and will start incubating next week