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Post by YorksherLass on Feb 8, 2021 17:14:19 GMT
For what it's worth Sammi - I don't think it's safe for great tits.
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Post by sammi on Feb 8, 2021 17:21:34 GMT
Hi Springtime I'm hoping they are just inquisitive and picking up grubs. I dont think I'd sleep a wink if they decide to nest. In fact I wonder why robins chose shallow boxes.
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Post by sammi on Feb 8, 2021 17:23:24 GMT
For what it's worth Sammi - I don't think it's safe for great tits. I agree wholeheartedly. The corner will quickly get leaf cover but even then???
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Post by Ann70 on Feb 8, 2021 17:42:02 GMT
Hi sammi That’s interesting that great tits are looking at an open box and for a good inspection. I have a feeling they won’t use it, I maybe wrong or will they if the ivy grows over and make it more protected I’ll be interested with others views on this
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Post by sammi on Feb 8, 2021 20:00:06 GMT
Hi sammi That’s interesting that great tits are looking at an open box and for a good inspection. I have a feeling they won’t use it, I maybe wrong or will they if the ivy grows over and make it more protected I’ll be interested with others views on this Yes I think it very unlikely so I'll just keep making it more private for the robins. It looks more open than it is because the camera is right in among the shrubs but the back area is due for some serious camouflage work. We will hopefully make it inaccessible for cats and big birds.
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Post by WildlifePaul on Feb 9, 2021 9:14:35 GMT
I don't think the great tit will give the box the time of day soon Sammi so i wouldn't worry too much, Its probably just being nosey and checking it out, The little blue tits are forever checking out one of my robin boxes at the moment but I think its due to more being curious than looking it nest site.
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Post by sammi on Feb 13, 2021 16:56:44 GMT
Thanks for the reassurances about the great tits. I don't think I really thought they would nest there but I've wanted a great tit nest for so long Today there was a bit of an attempted take over of the patio box. Frank ( Sinatra or Bruno?) managed to make his point though and the attempt soon fizzled out.
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Post by YorksherLass on Feb 14, 2021 14:22:37 GMT
Hi Sammi, the takeover bid was short & sweet! Both lovely clips from you & the first one you put on - that's exactly the angle of my one nest box, so what we all see of the tit on it is what I see from my garden seat. Not that I'm sitting out there now though!
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Post by sammi on Feb 15, 2021 9:29:05 GMT
Hi Sammi, the takeover bid was short & sweet! Both lovely clips from you & the first one you put on - that's exactly the angle of my one nest box, so what we all see of the tit on it is what I see from my garden seat. Not that I'm sitting out there now though! Yes all quiet now. I hope you start to see some action from your garden seat soon. The temperature is set to rise I see so I think that may trigger a flurry of feathered activity soon. Honestly these days it's all i get up in the morning for
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Post by WildlifePaul on Feb 15, 2021 16:13:30 GMT
Lovely videos Sammi! All looking very promising!
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Post by sammi on Feb 15, 2021 20:12:12 GMT
we are so happy as it seems our friendly robin is still around. Straight in for the mealworm
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Post by Ann70 on Feb 16, 2021 7:08:09 GMT
Wow Sammi Lovely to see the robin feed from your hand.how long did it take for you to get the robin to do that, it’s something I would like to happen with my two robins.I’ll give it a try.
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Post by sammi on Feb 16, 2021 12:34:16 GMT
Wow Sammi Lovely to see the robin feed from your hand.how long did it take for you to get the robin to do that, it’s something I would like to happen with my two robins.I’ll give it a try. Hi Ann it is so worthwhile trying. From memory ( ) I remember it takes patience and building up trust slowly. Ours are never far away when we are gardening and so I'd start there offering a worm from your hand and then place it on the ground and step back. Then gradually place it closer to you and keep still. When he's happy to come close then try keeping it in your hand maybe on the ground first. I remember it took a while and a very tired arm. It sounds like I know I am talking about but it's basically just patience. Good luck. I've noticed we have a pair around and I think it's the bigger one (male) who will come to my hand but the female is more cautious (or more sensible)
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Post by Ann70 on Feb 16, 2021 12:57:23 GMT
Thanks Sammi I will give it a go once the weather picks up and I’m pottering out in the garden. Sounds a good plan to me, it has worked for you.
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Post by WildlifePaul on Feb 16, 2021 14:07:52 GMT
Lovely Sammi, Bet you are happy its still around!
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Post by sammi on Feb 16, 2021 20:18:34 GMT
Lovely Sammi, Bet you are happy its still around! So happy Paul. He honestly just makes me smile even when I dont think I feel like it . I missed our wine bottle perching one and I like to think this is his son who has inherited his cheek I think he's been around for 2 years now.
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Post by sammi on Feb 19, 2021 12:41:26 GMT
Frank today showed he could dance as well as sing At first I thought it was Nancy but she popped in later and wasn't in the dancing mood.
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Post by matt on Feb 19, 2021 12:48:48 GMT
Wow - really nice long visit, Sammi, and wriggles too! Albeit from Frank, you reckon? Encouraging signs!
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Post by sammi on Feb 19, 2021 13:54:32 GMT
Wow - really nice long visit, Sammi, and wriggles too! Albeit from Frank, you reckon? Encouraging signs! Hi Matt. I'm only going on the crouching behaviour that the male does just before the female goes in. I honestly cannot tell the apart. I wish I could spot the difference but I've given up trying
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Post by YorksherLass on Feb 19, 2021 15:28:24 GMT
Whether it's Frank or Nancy, it's certainly very entertaining Sammi!
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Post by sammi on Feb 27, 2021 20:20:54 GMT
Today has been busy. A pair of sparrows spent a load of time at the patio box today. The female seemed to be trying to enlarge the entrance. No dramatic fights though thankfully and the bluetit rooster is fast asleep. All the boxes have had visits maybe from the same pair and the great tit was hopping about in the robin box again. They've gone crazy with the sunshine
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Post by Ann70 on Feb 28, 2021 8:43:35 GMT
Sammi what are the chances for the sparrows using the box, or is it a case of the hole to small,I haven’t had sparrows look at any of my boxes.
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Post by sammi on Feb 28, 2021 12:03:23 GMT
Hi Ann Well this morning things have progressed with Jack trying his charms to entice Jill in. The bluetits seem to be looking at the clematis box but then there was a bit if a scuffle (or whatever the bird equivalent is) outside that box with Jack and Jill wanting to look at that box too. I'm just hoping things don't get messy
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Post by sammi on Feb 28, 2021 12:07:25 GMT
Sammi what are the chances for the sparrows using the box, or is it a case of the hole to small,I haven’t had sparrows look at any of my boxes. To my mind it looks a bit of a squeeze and it will be the first time for us to have sparrows in any box. I think the entrance is the medium size from memory. I may have to consider making one or two smaller to make it safer for the bluetits. What do you think?
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Post by Ann70 on Feb 28, 2021 12:37:57 GMT
Sammi I think it’s a bigger hole for sparrows 32mm and 28 for blue tits I’m sure someone else will confirm this for you
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