Quacking upPlenty of 'cute fluffy' ducklings around this week getting themselves into the usual fun and games. Mallards are known for their unusual nesting habits, 1st floor balconies, hanging baskets to name but a few, but we had a report this week of a Mallard nesting 15 foot up a tree - needless to say there was concern about the ducklings survival - parachutes at the ready. Ducklings are amazingly robust and most can survive such a drop, especially if it is into water.Eagle eyesLots of bird of prey sightings this week, some of which have been migrating Red kites (see Birdtrack link for more details) as well as Peregrines and Sparrowhawks. Keep those reports coming in folks!Step-momFrom time to time, and especially if they have lost their own brood, some birds will take to feeding the young of other species. This co-operative behaviour is most commonly seen in Blackbirds and Robins. This week Val took the first report of this behaviour this year, with a Blackbird, who had lost her brood, feeding a young Robin. Do let us know if you have seen this behaviour happening in your garden.
Safe & soundThe breeding season is now well under way, with some birds of our garden favourites even feeding young. A query we have been regularly asked this week, has been about about tits pecking at both the external and internal part of nest boxes. Tits seen hammering away at the entrance hole of a nestbox is probably a form of display by the male, rather than an attempt to enlarge the hole. Female will also peck vigorously at nest boxes and this may help her to judge how soft the wood is and whether the hole will provide a safe, predator-proof home in which to raise her brood. Blue and great tits will also hammer at the inside of a box or nest hole, perhaps as a form of display.