Dunnock Question(s)

[doctor_feelgood]

Last year, a Dunnock nested in a vine growing alongside a wall in my garden. 3 chicks fledged, sadly two survived and the old nest had two eggs left when taking a look in late August, I guess they were infertile.

This year, the Dunnocks are back - nesting about 18 inches from the old nest, whci his still in situ and she's fledged 4,two in my garden and two have gone into next door's garden. I actually saw the biggest of "my" two fly up into the top of the vine so I hope all is well - the heavy rain hasn't harmed them as there is pleant of shelter under the vines and around plant pots , etc. The adult birds were looking on the groung for the remaining chick yesterday, but I think she's up in the vine now as aI can hear "twittering".

From this, I have two questions and my apologies if the are a little foolish;

1. Is it likely to be the same pair of Dunnocks from the previous year?

2. Are they likely to raise a second brood and if so, is it likely they'll use the same nest again?

Obviously, I'm reluctant to go into the garden and disturb any remaining chicks and I'm wondering if I can expect to see the delight of my own Dunnocks again raising another brood this year?

Thank you for reading...........

[aeshna5]

It is possible they are the same birds as last year, but without ringing them there is no way to be certain. Most passerines this size rarely live for more than a couple of years in the wild, though lucky individuals may live 10 years or so.

Another point is that Dunnocks often have complex love lives with the male mating regularly with more than 1 mate + the female also mating with males from adjacent territories. It's not unusual to have siblings in a brood with different fathers.

Dunnocks often have 2 + occasionally 3 broods in a season.

[sunnydale]

Hi Doctor FG,

Welcome to WAB!

It is possible that it's the same female from last year but Dunnocks breeding habits are very complicated, so it may not be the same male that's with her.

They can have up to 3 broods too, so maybe best to leave well alone for the time being.

[doctor_feelgood]

Thanks very much for your replies and the welcome..

I've no intention of encroaching on the birds as it's a delight to see their progress through the window.

Is it likely that a second brood will be raised in the same site?

[doctor_feelgood]

Well, no second brood.

Unfortunately.