Nest box use?

hi Coal

I think it is going to be the waiting game for you.  Not easy but there is still time yet for nesting.

From my own experience of nest boxes it feels like there is going to be no takers, and then everything starts to happen at one time.  Lots of members of the Tit family arriving to test the new Dez Rez facility.

One year I thought I was going to end up with a Coal Tit in one of my boxes, but sadly it was outnumbered by the Blue Tits, and that would have made my day - a Coal Tit ... wish they where not so shy in their own way.

Never heard of anyone having Coal Tits in their nest boxes before at all unless someone knows different.

Just keep us informed and let us know of any news of your camera box.  Can I ask if this is the first time you have had a camera box?  {if it is not ... I overlooked one of your threads on the RSPB Forum}

Regards

Kathy and Dave

There is never any guarantee that the birds will use your box. Blue tits are the most frequent to use garden boxes. You don't say what size entrance your box has as this varies.

Nicki C said:

Never heard of anyone having Coal Tits in their nest boxes before at all unless someone knows different.

I have a pair of coal tits who live in and around my garden. I have been watching them investigating a neighbour's nest box. I am hoping they will take it on as it is right opposite my upstairs window and I will be able to watch the comings and goings.

Oh dear Sparrow, your garden is now so full of new and old resident birds that you have taken over next door now. Just watch hanging out of the window with the bimoculars or camera peering into the neighbours. Just have visions of having to bail you out at the police station.

LOL Brenda! You may be right ... this particular neighbour is not a very nice person!! If I suddenly disappear from the forum, you know I have been arrested!!!

Unknown said:

There is never any guarantee that the birds will use your box. Blue tits are the most frequent to use garden boxes. You don't say what size entrance your box has as this varies.

Hi brenda the size is 32mm

Coal

Coal said:

Hi Blackbird,

Unlucky you didnt get your coal tit. Good luck for this year.

And yes It is the first time Ive had a camera box,( and Im  hoping its successful!)

 

P.S (This is too everyone: Have you had Greenfinches, and if you do, what do they eat? Because I'm interested, see:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/forums/p/10760/77380.aspx#77380

 

   Coal

 

Hi Our greenfinches like Nyger Seed. Attached not a very good picture

Hi coal. The RSPB say the entrance holes for nest boxes are:-

25mm for blue, coal, marsh tits

28mm for great tits, tree sparrow, pied flycatcher

32mm for house sparrows

45mm for starlings.

Hope this helps, maybe as a guide to what may use your box.

Coal said:

Hi,

  As the nesting season approaches, I am anxiously waiting the first visitor to my camera box, but the nesting season is so close and I still haven't had any visitors, does that mean they are not going to nest in it ? 

( I rarely get blue tits and have only ever had great tits visiting the garden once!)

    Coal   

I'm wondering if you are offering the right food to attract blue and great tits to your garden?   Sunflower hearts are the most popular food here for tits, but they also visit the black sunflower seed  - and mealworms are always very much appreciated.

It's still quite early for serious nesting activity - if you go to the Overview page of our website (  http://www.biggonline.co.uk/  ) you'll see the dates of significant events in our boxes since 2001 .   You'll also see how long it can take before the nest is finished.   The female often takes stuff in - and out again - for some time before she settles down to some serious building, and this can be done within a few days.