Hi, I'm very new to this so looking for some.advicr pelase.
We have had a nest box on our house since we moved in 3 years ago and have never noticed anything before now but we have nesting bluetits this year. I think there's quite a few babies in there. They're very active and noisy which I'm pleased with but here's my problem. The nest box is very high up at 1st story height and concrete floor below. We have a very quick cat so I'm worrying when the fledglings leave the nest they'll fall to the floor and either be injured by the fall or get caught by my cat. Should I put a shelf just underneath the box so they have somewhere to land before flying off? Really not sure if that's more of a risk for them. There's no way the cat would get up that high bit would other birds?
Thanks in advance for any information
Hi Mrs Banks, welcome to the community forum. The Blue Tits should be fine if there are nearby twigs, trees or even a fence to land on as they will open their wings as soon as they leap from the box and hopefully after a wobbly start will fly upwards so no need to do anything and let nature do the rest ! Enjoy watching the nestlings leave the box.
About two and half hours ago I was lucky enough to be in the garden as one of our Blue Tit boxes of nestlings fledged. Here's the link to the video clip and you will see how good they are (most of the time ! ) at using their new wings !