• State Verified Answer
  • Replies 18 replies
  • Subscribers 27 subscribers
  • Views 3600 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Latest posts

Blue Tits Trapped

Vetaka
22/05/2020 13:10

Hello, 

I am in urgent need of some advice in relation to a Blue Tit Nest.

The nest initially appeared to be in a small alcove within my porch roof however I have some concerns the nest has fallen down a small almost tunnel like space and come to rear behind a facia board to a dead space above a window. With the nest itself potentially blocking the access point to the tunnel? 

Over the past few days an adult bluetit appeared to be regularly going in and out to to tend to chicks that I can hear from behind the facia board. This morning however can I see a dead bird lay on the grill within the facia board. The adult bluetit is still about but appears somewhat distressed as its singing a lot and flying around from tree to nest to tree to nest in very quick succession. 

I am concerned the chicks are stuck and am a bit of a loss what to do now. I am in no way an expert but do know that in the best interests of the chicks you shouldn't where possible interfere with a nest. A principle enshrined with the countryside act. However, at the same time I don't want to do nothing if the chicks are stuck.

Any advice you can give would be really appreciative? Should I try and create a hole within the facia board to allow the chicks to escape or do I just let nature take its course and see what happens?

Please find attached some photos and a video. First photo is where the nest initially was the next is where the nest appears to be now. It's to the left of the first photo be a meter.

Thank you for your time. 

Dan 

  • 0 22/05/2020 13:16
    I've got a video of what I can see and hear but unfortunately I can't seem to share it on the forum. Therefore, I've created a link to it in my Google Drive:

    drive.google.com/folderview
  • 0 22/05/2020 13:47
    Hello Dan, without being there to see myself and only going by your photos and description, I would say that if there is definitely a dead chick laying on the grill then more urgent intervention in this particular case is needed especially if you are seeing the adult distressed and trying to feed other chicks. As you know, it is generally against the wildlife law to interfere with an active nest but if the only other option is for the remaining chicks to die then I suggest you do cut into the fascia board to try make a better access to the nest but try leave it in situ if you can even if it means making sure the nest is right way up and secure from falling through. I really don't know what else to advise as in lockdown it is difficult to contact RSPCA for help or many organisations that could perhaps give you more professional advice. It does look rather urgent so I'll bite the bullet and say try make more access and upright the nest if needs be but leave it in situ as far as you can as the adult birds obviously know where the nest is and just need to get to the chicks without problems.
    If any other forum member has other ideas then please contribute to this question as I am basing this answer on an emergency situation that it appears to be.

    Don't suppose anyone from RSPB is reading this but if you are please help advise Dan.

    to Dan: give it half an hour before you do anything in the hope more people give their views on what to do but if there are no further responses then cut into the fascia board. Sorry, it's the best advice I can give you regarding this pressing situation.

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • 0 22/05/2020 13:54

    Dan,  I have flagged your plea for advice up in a separate thread so wait half an hour to see if there is a response.  

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • 0 22/05/2020 13:59 in reply to HAZY
    Thanks Hazel. I appreciate your time and will await to see if anybody else posts.
  • 0 22/05/2020 14:01
    ok Dan, fingers crossed the other post will also grab some attention.

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • 0 22/05/2020 14:02

    Hi Dan, unfortunately can't see the video, best uploaded to Youtube first to get URL to post on here ... I am going to concur with Hazy on this, if possible to cut another access for the parents in the board & hope it is enough access for them to continue feeding the chicks!

    There are exceptions to the Wildlife Act notably helping injured birds & with the advent of the dead chick others could be in danger ... Good luck

     

     2013 photos & vids here

    eff37 on Flickr

  • 0 22/05/2020 14:17
    Sorry to hear you couldn't access the video. I've uploaded it to YouTube.

    https://youtu.be/ZdjZ6eI_XLc
  • 0 22/05/2020 14:22

    Thanks for the video link Dan, looking at the dead bird (can't make out if it is adult or chick) then I would go ahead and make an access hole to the nest but leave nest in situ (just make sure it is right way up) and although it is usually against the Wildlife laws again, I would remove the dead bird and dispose of it. Can you still hear chicks calling ?

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • 0 22/05/2020 14:23 in reply to HAZY
    Yes, the adult bird is still flying around and is calling to the chicks. The chicks in turn are calling back to the adult. The adult was in the shrubbery of the garden and did try and get him on the video but he flew off.
  • 0 22/05/2020 14:24

    are you seeing two adults ? as both parents feed chicks and would be bringing food constantly to the chicks

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Regards, Hazel