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I have had a nestbox/camera for two seasons, without success. Two fleeting visits so far this year by Bluetits. I had to adjust the camera and looking down inside they seem to be using the box as a toilet, leaving a small pile of droppings. Do I clean out the box or leave it untouched?
Hi Sheila
I'm sure that Sparrow is the best person to help you with this enquiry, as she has 2 nestboxes with cameras, and male blue tits are currently roosting in both of them.
I think that the last time we had this enquiry the opinion was that you should remove the droppings from the box before the male brings a female to have a look at it to see if it's a suitable nest site.
Best wishes Chris
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Nesting boxes are often used as roosts through the winter months. It is best to leave the box as it is now that blue tits are nest propecting as some are already set on nesting sites and may already have found a mate with a view to start nest building.
The best time for nest box cleaning and maintenance is the Autumn when birds have finished breeding and will not be disturbed by the process.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
We have a new camera nest box which has been up since January.
For the past 2 weeks a blue tit has been arriving at 17.45 and sleeping in it overnight. Initially just on the bare boards. Now, a blue tit has started bringing nesting material in, mainly moss and is industriously pushing it into shape.
Is this likely to be the same bird, they all look alike ? Or will there be a fight for occupancy?
Incidentally, this camera box is a massive time waster, hours are spent just watching !!
Hi margot
It sounds like the male might have been roosting there, and he has now brought his mate to see if it's a possible nest site.
It sounds like you might be lucky. :-)