I erected a new 3 hole sparrow terrace last November. The box came supplied with a few twigs that look a bit like short cinnamon sticks. I put these twigs plus some shredded paper in each compartment in case someone wanted to roost there over winter. I have been noticing bits of shredded paper hanging out of the holes, and also the odd strips in the garden, decorating the bushes. I have also noticed blue tits using the box much of the winter.
This morning I watched for quite a while. A blue tit kept going inside and coming out with a twig, then he would fly to the tree and drop the twig, only to repeat this action several more times. He also did the same with the shredded paper.
Could he be getting rid of unwanted bedding ready to nest, or is he moving the bedding to another possible nest, or is he doing something else entirely? I intend getting out the ladders and having a quick peep inside to see what is going on, but I am perplexed at the moment.
Cheers, Linda.
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Hi Sparrow, now I freely admit I am no expert on this but it sounds like spring cleaning i.e. getting rid of old/used in readiness to build a nest, but whether that is feasible I honestly don't know. I will be as interested as you to find out what others think.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
I have just returned from risking life and limb on the ladders. One compartment is completely untouched and as I left it when it was erected. (faces west) The middle compartment (faces north) is devoid of shredded paper but has a few twigs and some poo. The other compartment (faces east) has bits of paper and twigs but not much, and a lot of poo!!!! No-one at home at the moment though.
Lol Sparrow!!
Think I'm inclined to agree with Squirrel!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Hi Sparrow
Interesting to hear about the adventure of your Blue Tits
My ... they are busy little bees with their home comforts. They want nesting perfection.
Love to hear what happens next - have you got any pictures by chance?
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Susan H said: I have just returned from risking life and limb on the ladders. One compartment is completely untouched and as I left it when it was erected. (faces west) The middle compartment (faces north) is devoid of shredded paper but has a few twigs and some poo. The other compartment (faces east) has bits of paper and twigs but not much, and a lot of poo!!!! No-one at home at the moment though.
Maybe they believe the bedding is from last year & think it needs cleaning out before hijacking the nestbox (even though it's theirs if you know what I mean).
Sort of Rented Unfurnished rather than Rented Furnished ☺☺☺
Sparrow......
What ya are indeed seeing is in house cleaning, likely they are going to set up home there in a few weeks time and at the moment they have been using the box as a roost... it may be that by more then a pair of blue tits as it is known that blue tits will share a box for warm during winters bad weather like with just had.
They will start lookin for holes around about now and if they find one with old nest, or nesting material inside from say last year they will start removing it . and will often remove all of it before starting a new build...
Theres a reason for this... that being in the old material there could well be TICKS, MITES and other bugs that could cause them to become ill, or indeed infect them and cause them to die.. they wouldnt want that as they want to raise a family and their off spring would hopefuly carry on doing that so the better the conditions that they can give their young, the better there chances of being successful.
dont just look enjoy and leave for others to share after you. we dont own the earth we just rent a small part of it....
Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
I do hope they are spring cleaning before using it for nesting. I have never had a nest in my garden. I would be thrilled to bits.
Kestrel - some good points raised there! another thing to note is that being hole nesters, if they've excavated and removed material themselves it may play a part in feeling safer and more secure. less risk of competition and potential predation making it an even better prospective nest site!
Courtship or pair bonding behaviour includes obvious slow flight with rapid wing beats or gliding flight usually directed towards the nest-hole. Also if you notice them pecking around the entrance hole thats a sure fire sign they're decorating to declare the box as "occupied".