Missing blue tit mum

[BROCSMAN]

I got a nesting box with a camera at Christmas, and I was delighted a couple of weeks ago when a pair of blue tits started building in it. There was a lot of activity today, and, almost in an instant, six eggs appeared. The female then settled down for a few minutes, but has now left the nest. I haven't seen her for about an hour. Is this normal, or are these eggs at risk? Where's Bill Oddie when you need him.

[mrs fish]

Watching nest boxes can be very stressful , try not to worry too much they know what they are doing

[BROCSMAN]

I hope so. I've been out for the evening, and returned to find the female on the eggs, but no sign of the male. Is he down at the local having a pint? I think I've got a dysfunctional family in my nest.

Thanks for the reply.

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by BROCSMAN

I hope so. I've been out for the evening, and returned to find the female on the eggs, but no sign of the male. Is he down at the local having a pint? I think I've got a dysfunctional family in my nest.

Thanks for the reply.

Don't rush to judge them, he could be doing a night shift stacking shelves at the supermarket.

On a more prosaic note, what about a diary? It all adds to our interest and knowledge.

[witham]

He's maybe got another 'bird' somewhere

[wildliferescuer]

Originally Posted by BROCSMAN

I got a nesting box with a camera at Christmas, and I was delighted a couple of weeks ago when a pair of blue tits started building in it. There was a lot of activity today, and, almost in an instant, six eggs appeared. The female then settled down for a few minutes, but has now left the nest. I haven't seen her for about an hour. Is this normal, or are these eggs at risk? Where's Bill Oddie when you need him.

She will not sit on them full-time until she has finished laying. She wouldn't have laid all six at one time but they usually cover them up while they are away from the nest which is why you hadn't seen them before. Once she has finished laying she will sit tight & be fed by the male.

[BROCSMAN]

I'm not sure I can manage a daily diary, but I'll try to keep you posted. At 7:30 this morning - no-one at home. However at 3:30 the female was back on the nest, and has apparently laid more eggs some time. The male has only been seen once, for a very brief visit. He's definitely playing away.

[BROCSMAN]

She's laid ten in total, and now seems to be nearly a fixture, but has to go out to get food. I thought the male would feed her? He's hardly ever seen. Poor thing is still bringing back extra nesting material, so her time away from the nest is not even all spent on herself. Will the male re-appear when the eggs hatch?

[BROCSMAN]

I got home today, and most of the eggs have hatched. There are still two or three left, and a lot of tiny helpless naked little things wriggling around.

The good news is that I've seen both parents feeding already, so fingers crossed.

I've tried to get a photo to post, but the stupid software I'm using produces something called VSP files, and I don't know how to convert them. Any suggestions?

[lolo]

My BT mum had just finished her nest and was taken by a sparrowhawk. Hubby didn't hang around as he brought a new female in within 24 hrs ! She has taken over the nest. Unfortunately she has built a huge overhang on it so it's like a deep cave ! Guess no pictures from that box this year, unless she squashes it down when the chicks are born. Has anyone else experienced this type of building ? The Great tits have 7 eggs so far in a 'flat' nest not a cave dwelling- fingers crossed. Nest boxes are fantastic when everything goes right ! Enjoy yours.