Had the dreaded woodpecker raid on our blue tit nest box. Was notified of the first attack by a tap tap tap noise at 7 PM last night, GSW was on the box and had pecked a good-sized hole in the bottom of the box. One chick had either fallen out or "emergency" fledged itself and was flutter-hopping about it allowed me to pick it up and move it to somewhere with a bit more cover aka a bush near the nest box. We have a high cat population around here as well as magpies, so better safe than cat or magpie victim. As of this morning, the parents were still feeding the baby in the bush so all is well there. Woodpecker has been back at the nest box, pecking both sides and base and even the roof. Each time I've chased it off. This has been going on since 4:30 AM this morning. Last attack was about 12 PM and I can see what looks like a little wing on the floor beneath the box and lots of nesting material. Parents have not been back to the box for almost 3 hours now. They're still feeding the baby that's hidden in the bush, and don't seem to be bothered by me sitting nearby as I type this. Is it safe to assume that the chicks that were still in the box are now dead or are dying? There have been some flies showing interest so shall assume the former. Is it worth me taking a sneakt peak to make sure so I can clear it out or should I just let nature take its course here and let the flies do their job?
Really good news that you were able to save the one chick that is now being fed by parents, hard to advise about looking in the nest, not allowed by law to interfere with a nest but there are exceptions with regard to aiding sick or injured birds! You do not say how near fledging these chicks are, that makes a big difference to their potential survival and you do run a big risk of frightening parents away!
Wildlife Act exceptions ... www.rspb.org.uk/.../
I do hope that I have advised you correctly, am sure others will correct me if not!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Have you seen any parental activity at the box? Their best hope of survival is being fed by parents at this stage, have you found any on the ground under the box?