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Post by suep on Mar 23, 2024 12:17:00 GMT
 So looks like the season has started and off to a good start. From a dirty nest box left by a wintering male rooster, to the beginnings of a nest. The female did a good job of clearing the poo but the base of the box is still very stained, however this doesn’t seem to be bothering them as the picture here will show (if I can remember how to do it  ) Good luck to all, let’s hope for many successful nests  . Sue |
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Post by karenupnorth on Mar 23, 2024 16:34:14 GMT
Yay congratulations sue. Wonderful to see isnt it?  |
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Post by suep on Mar 23, 2024 17:05:48 GMT
Yes, brilliant Karen. Only hope they are not put off by hubby insisting on still using the balcony  . He was really good about it last year but says not going a second year without sitting out there when the sun is shining. Would love everyone to get a nest ❤️ Sue |
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Post by karenupnorth on Mar 24, 2024 8:12:22 GMT
How large is the balcony? Our box is up in a tree but we often sit right under it and they are not bothered, but if it is in very close quarters then they might be, really hope not though sue. |
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Post by suep on Mar 24, 2024 9:12:02 GMT
 Hi Karen, balcony perfectly fine for us in normal times, but as you can see as the spring starts and weather warms up (which obviously is when hubby wants to make the most of it) we are pretty darn close to the blue tits box. They are right next to our dining room. So lucky they are choosing this box so high up anyway so can only keep those fingers tightly crossed. Sue |
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Post by karenupnorth on Mar 24, 2024 10:14:22 GMT
I think if your quietly sitting there minding your own business I honestly think it will be fine.  |
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Post by suep on Apr 1, 2024 15:44:05 GMT
  Well, this is the state of play in my box so far. Blue tit from yesterday and addition of feathering today. Coming along nicely so keeping everything crossed. Sue |
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Post by WildlifePaul on Apr 4, 2024 13:31:30 GMT
Brilliant stuff Sue! You'd be surprised how they are with you being around, I don't ever stop activity in my garden and they just get used to it. I just love how you are getting a nest again in the place you thought it would never happen in your flat! Looking forward to all your updates  |
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Post by sammi on Apr 5, 2024 14:13:07 GMT
 Wow Sue. I agree they don't take much notice of us human folks. Our only box for a long time was close to our patio and they just work around us. Wonderful you will be able to have a cuppa on the balcony and watch the fun
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Post by suep on Apr 5, 2024 18:06:17 GMT
Thanks Paul and Sammi. Really hope they will put up with us, but even worse news is we are to have a new flat roof on the block of flats and it mean scaffolding going up in a few weeks - probably just when things are beginning to get serious. I can’t argue because they will not be affecting the nest as such but it may scare the birds to say the least   ☹️😢. Just going to keep everything crossed and hope that I have a confident pair and they carry on regardless. Sue |
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Post by Amanda on Apr 5, 2024 18:42:15 GMT
It’s looking good Sue |
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Post by suep on Apr 5, 2024 19:50:13 GMT
It’s looking good Sue Thanks Amanda Sue |
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Post by pete11 on Apr 8, 2024 19:15:36 GMT
Lovely pics! Looking forward to seeing more!
Good luck with it!
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Post by suep on Apr 9, 2024 8:00:07 GMT
Thanks Pete, hoping all continues well but now very nervous after the news that we are to have scaffolding going up - really bad timing. I don’t know how soon they will start. Part of me wonders whether I should deter the birds whilst they still have time to build a nest elsewhere, or I let them continue and hope they are unperturbed by the commotion that may ensue  . Sue |
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Post by Ann70 on Apr 9, 2024 8:33:36 GMT
Hi sue
At school I had a bird box up in a blossom tree near the door where children went out to the playground the birds were not put off they came when the coast was clear
All will be well for the blue tits to continue no matter what 😊
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Post by suep on Apr 9, 2024 9:48:32 GMT
Hi sue At school I had a bird box up in a blossom tree near the door where children went out to the playground the birds were not put off they came when the coast was clear All will be well for the blue tits to continue no matter what 😊 I so hope you are right Ann, thanks for that. Actually not seen them this morning which is unusual. Hopefully just having a rest or keeping out of this awful wind. Sue |
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Post by karenupnorth on Apr 9, 2024 11:56:34 GMT
The bird box where I work was occupied and was successful despite a lot of building work going on around it, so hoping this will be the same for you sue
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Post by pete11 on Apr 9, 2024 23:10:41 GMT
I'm sure they won't be deterred by humans doing stuff nearby. I think they can tell if people are just getting on with stuff in the vicinity and don't pose any threat.
Fingers crossed 🤞
Just for an example - I squeezed a load of waterproof sealant on the joints of my side view box when the nest building was underway last week - didn't bother the birds at all.
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Post by suep on Apr 10, 2024 7:57:57 GMT
Thanks Ann, Karen and Pete for the optimism. Hopefully all will be well. Not been in the box much over last two days but female coming in at night. Wondering if building up to egg laying or if there is something hidden as nest cup is completely covered. Keeping my eyes peeled but don’t have camera on all the time . Waiting to hear you have eggs Karen because I think mine are just a day or so behind yours. Sue |
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Post by karenupnorth on Apr 10, 2024 13:33:03 GMT
Still no eggs sue as far as I can tell. Still feathers coming in and nest wriggling, roosting at night, each morning I expect to see one but not yet, unless they are buried right under. |
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Post by pete11 on Apr 10, 2024 17:46:58 GMT
Same thing happening in mine at the moment!
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Post by suep on Apr 11, 2024 6:03:11 GMT
 Had to get up bright and early this morning as hubby had to run a neighbour to the airport , so thought I’d put bird box camera on and have a peek - well that was at 5:00 and little sweetie was still asleep. At about 6:00 she did a few shuffle and then what look like a bit of straining and quicker breathing but then went back to sleep. However my patience has paid off as when she decided to finally move off the nest this is what I saw  . Sorry about the image but snapped quickly on my phone in case she came back and covered them. So chuffed. Sue |
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Post by sammi on Apr 11, 2024 7:23:00 GMT
So happy for you Sue. I'm sure these brds followed you when you moved.  I doubt they will be put off now by anything
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Post by karenupnorth on Apr 11, 2024 10:12:46 GMT
Aw thats great you got to see her, really happy for you.  My girl still waiting  |
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Post by starling78 on Apr 11, 2024 10:59:04 GMT
That's great!  they are so good at keeping them hidden, mine still has no eggs as far as I can tell  must get up early and see if I can watch her leave before she gets a chance to cover anything! |
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. He was really good about it last year but says not going a second year without sitting out there when the sun is shining. 
Wow Sue. I agree they don't take much notice of us human folks. Our only box for a long time was close to our patio and they just work around us. Wonderful you will be able to have a cuppa on the balcony and watch the fun 
☹️😢. Just going to keep everything crossed and hope that I have a confident pair and they carry on regardless.
. 
. Sorry about the image but snapped quickly on my phone in case she came back and covered them. So chuffed.
I doubt they will be put off now by anything 
My girl still waiting 
they are so good at keeping them hidden, mine still has no eggs as far as I can tell 
must get up early and see if I can watch her leave before she gets a chance to cover anything!