Missing blue tit mum

fioremundi · #11 (**permalink**) 24-05-2009, 06:13 PM

One of our nesting pair of bluetits was taken by a jay just as it had arrived to feed its brood. Within 20 minutes another bluetit had taken the place of the lost parent. Is this common behaviour?
Also how long does it take a chick from hatching to fly from the nest?

badgerwatcher · #12 (**permalink**) 24-05-2009, 06:22 PM

Wow! I didn't know they brought in another partner if one was lost.
I try to ignor my boxes, because I'd just worry. Got bluetits in at least one, and they're making a terrific din, bless them.
I found a woodpecker's nest the other day. I don't know which sort as I didn't want to frighten the parents by hanging around. I'll probably go and have another look tomorrow. Those babies were very noisy.

Jenny W · #13 (**permalink**) 24-05-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fioremundi

One of our nesting pair of bluetits was taken by a jay just as it had arrived to feed its brood. Within 20 minutes another bluetit had taken the place of the lost parent. Is this common behaviour?
Also how long does it take a chick from hatching to fly from the nest?

Once the chicks are big enough to not need brooded both parents feed them. It was probably the other bird of the pair.