Afternoon all,
I really need some advise, there was a nesting pair of Great Tits in my mums new bird box, she was so excited. The female was killed by next doors cat, so I said to mum to clear out the box in case another pair wanted to use it, she opened the box and there was a nest inside with 6 eggs, she threw them away and chucked the beautifully made nest. The male Great Tit is in the tree, constantly chirping, could he have hatched and raised the eggs alone? Should I have told mum to leave the nest alone? I’m racked with guilt now and feel so sad. Please let me know if I did or didn’t do the right thing, I’d like to know either way.
Thank you.
Don't beat yourself up too much Emma for a genuine mistake through lack of knowledge & experience... doubtful he could have managed alone with having to leave eggs/ hatchlings in order to forage for enough food IMHO! Sometimes there are successes if chicks already hatched & feathered!