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
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Oh ok Dan, I can't see clearly enough in the vent to work out if it is a chick or an adult bird. Not sure you'll get other responses other than Wendy's helpful advice in time so I'd sort out a clearer access point to the nest now by leaving the nest in same position, just making sure it is right way up in case it has slipped sideways. Dispose of the dead bird. If there is only one adult left to feed they will do their best to feed the chicks. Obviously, try get the necessary done as soon as you can and as quickly as you can; most of all, be careful if you are using ladders . Good luck and keep us updated when you get chance.
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Regards, Hazel
** Update **
I've removed the dead bird that looks like a chick. I've then opened up the hole it's poor little body was blocking to try and give the chicks an exit and the parents an access point, without me having to interfere with the nest. I'm hopeful parent will find the way in and then bring the chicks out.
I can't see the nest and can't get to it with exposing it quite extensively.
Well done Dan, removing the dead chick should ensure easier access to the nest; I would keep your eye on the nest area and see if the adult/s are taking food in and coming out with no food in their beak as that will mean the food is being delivered to the hungry chicks. Once again, well done for caring enough to help these birds, hopefully your reward will be seeing these chicks fledge which shouldn't be long judging by the size of the dead chick. Seems they may be very close to fledging.
As I say Dan, you will know if the parent bird/s are successful in feeding the chicks if you see them taking in food (usually caterpillars, insects) and come away from the nest without any food in their beak. If they return each time with food in their bill from the nest site there may still be a problem * . Having said that hopefully all is well now you've cleared an access for them and if the nest isn't too deep inside. Fingers crossed you'll see the chicks fledge soon.
* when fledging is about to happen the adult birds will retreat from the nest with food still in their bill in order to temp the chicks out and to follow the food.