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It seems my camera nest box is going to be used for a nest at long last, after continuous roosting. I caught who I think is Mrs. Bluey doing very strange things - bringing in nesting material then a lot of movement and wing flapping. She did this several times before exhausting herself and falling asleep in the corner! She stayed in the box all night. Bless her cotton socks. She has been doing the same again today, but not a lot of nesting material as yet.
I caught her on VIDEO last night if anyone wants a peek - it's only short so not too boring!
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Sparrow It is always so much more exciting when it is "your" own box. We have a cyber friend who has had a box for a number of years. Some time ago she tried to help by putting in some bedding. The bluetit spent the next week or so taking it out, piece by piece.
It is amazing how technology has advanced.
Tiger Signature
Yay! Good to hear you have nesting going on! :-)
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Susan H said: It seems my camera nest box is going to be used for a nest at long last, after continuous roosting. I caught who I think is Mrs. Bluey doing very strange things - bringing in nesting material then a lot of movement and wing flapping. She did this several times before exhausting herself and falling asleep in the corner! She stayed in the box all night. Bless her cotton socks. She has been doing the same again today, but not a lot of nesting material as yet. I caught her on VIDEO last night if anyone wants a peek - it's only short so not too boring!
We termed the wing flapping movement a "nesting wriggle" several years ago - and it seems to have been adopted by quite a few people. Females do this later on to form the nest - but we've watched them doing this long before any nesting material is brought in. Good luck with your box - it's very exciting to watch a little family growing up. You can read about our birds here: http://www.biggonline.co.uk/
You must be so excited sparrow. Liked watching your video hope theres more to come. Its a lovely thing to watch . Always wanted a camera might have to try it next year.
Sue
Thanks everyone,
I have bad news I think. She hasn't brought in any more nesting material since last Tuesday, yet she continues to roost overnight in the box. I have lost hope that she will nest here this year. This is the state of play as I write:
Hi Sparrow,
I've been following your bluetit video and pics. They are so interesting. She must be investigating different potential nesting places. I know mine are still not settled.
Don't give up hope yet, but if she does decide to nest elsewhere, as you say there is always next year.
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
Hi Claire,
Thank you for those kind and encouraging words ... fingers still crossed!
Hi Sparrow
Sorry to see your bluetits not nesting in the box.
My bluetits cannot make up their minds if they are going to nest in any of my boxes this year,maybe it is just too hot for them!!
No activity to report in any of the 11 boxes I have around the place,still it is still only April and of course there is always next year!
Rachel
It's not always easy to hug a hedgehog.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't.
Very good. Must be rewarding to have success like this.
May I suggest that next year you put some coarse sandpaper in the bottom of the box to prevent her slipping about and banging her head. If there are holes in the sandpaper it will help drainage.
Regards, OldThingy.
Don't flap, don't panic. Jump.
Thanks Rachel and Oldthingy,
Surely to goodness, Rachel, something will nest in one of your boxes!!! Please let us know.
Thanks for that piece of advice Oldthingy - it will also help with the cleaning out at the end of the season!!! I'll give it a try next time.