Nest box news

[Elizabeth B]

It looks as though Box 2 has been claimed by a pair of bluetits. It's being visited regularly, and several times we have seen two birds in the box together (very briefly).

On Tuesday this bluetit went into a defensive posture when it was looking around inside:



And this was the trouble-maker:



(There are more photos in our diary).

[Kayleigh]

Wow, would a nuthatch breed in a box..Or is he checking who's home...

[Elizabeth B]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Wow, would a nuthatch breed in a box..Or is he checking who's home...

I believe nuthatches sometimes nest in boxes - but the hole on that one is too small!

[brenbee]

how lovely, soon b nesting. we had blue tits in our nest box 4 three years & then they gave it up. on investigation we found nothing out of the ordinary. then hubby remembered he'd put a new roof on the box. colour- red. could this b the reason? anyway, Its now changed, so we'll see.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth B

I believe nuthatches sometimes nest in boxes - but the hole on that one is too small!

you need another box asap with a big hole..
They are lovely birds we don't even get them in the garden..

[Pam_M]

Lovely photo's, Elizabeth! What a super trouble-maker you have in your garden too!

[Downsouth]

We have kept tabs locally on many Nuthatch pairs over the years and they've always nested in boxes. Didn't know they could find natural ones, especially in these days of keeping suburban gardens and trees mostly 'squeaky clean'.
An idea we have found works, make one or two Woodpecker boxes and if they don't use them, maybe Nuthatches will choose one. They seem to prefer the larger box, then plaster the entrance hole with mud to the size required. They go about this task with such enthusiasm, or so it seems to our eyes.
Downsouthers

[Ruth Daniel]

Nice pics Elizabeth,thanks for the update!
I hope your troublemaker finds his own des res soon!

[Elizabeth B]

Thanks Ruth - we see a nuthatch in the garden most days, though we rarely see two together, but it's likely there will be a nest not too far away. One has recently discovered the caged mealworm feeder by the dining room window - it's amazing that he'll come so close! Unfortunately we don't have space for another box (and I couldn't cope with any more cameras - we already have nine, and checking through all the photos takes ages).

This is what we saw when we turned on the cameras yesterday - but there have been no further developments.

[Ruth Daniel]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth B

This is what we saw when we turned on the cameras yesterday - but there have been no further developments.

lol,well I spose it's a start!
Do keep us updated Elizabeth.