| A bewildering scene this morning. One dead chick lying at the perimeter of the nesting box, presumably having hauled itself up out of the nest; the solitary egg remains in the nest with one live chick - all the rest having gone. They were too small to fly, so must have been removed (I don't understand why one dead chick remains). The hen has not abondoned the nest, she is still coming in and out to feed the live little one, though I have to say it doesn't look particularly strong. She then settles down on the nest once more. It really is a strange situation.
Sat. 28th and the last little fighter didn't make it. The chick, which was quite mature - well defined feathers, but still small - was visited throughout the day by both parents, who brought it food. However, last night the hen failed to sit on the nest. This morning both parents re-appeared once more with food, but sadly the chick had died overnight. The parents still came in a few times more.
Later today we shall take the box down and remove the chicks. The other dead ones appear to have been buried under the moss and feathers, away from the nest well - could their presence have contributed to the ultimate death of all? We shall replace the nest and see what happens. It's always an amazing insight into nature, whatever the outcome - last year we saw seven birds fly the nest - and we hope for a happier conclusion again next year.  |