Unusual blue-tit roost

[werdnal]

Some years ago someone bought us a figure made up of flower pots.

After a few years outside in all weathers, the frost got to it and it fell to pieces. Hubby took the head and tied it to a branch of a May tree in our garden (don't ask me why as it does seem rather macabre), before chucking the rest out.

Tonight I was outside and saw a blue tit sitting in the tree, which is alongside our shed, and we have seem blue tits roosting under the eaves of the shed in the past. I thought I'd watch to see where he went, and was so surprised to see, instead of heading for the shed, he flew down to the pottery head. I thought he was just looking to a last few spiders before he went to roost, but no, he hung unside down on it for a few seconds, before squeezing through the hole in the bottom and disappearing up into the hanging head. And there he stayed .....

Its blowing an absolute hooley here tonight, and rain battering the windows, and every time we get a really strong gust, I think of the little bluey all huddled up in his little terracotta house outside. They don't miss a trick do they!

[posie]

Thats really interesting, bless him.I wonder if he'll do it again tomorrow night.Also maybe there were insects in there, though I expect he's made short work of them by now.Maybe he or she is looking ahead to the spring and is laying claim to that very superior nesting place. Keep us informed if he stays around. Posie....

[werdnal]

If I remember I am going out again tonight to look for him!

[posie]

Did you remember, and if so was he there again ?

[werdnal]

Yes, he came but there were 2 of them in the tree and they had a little scrap with each other, then went their separate ways. I hung around until nearly dark and didn't see him come back. The weather wasn't quite so bad yesterday so maybe he decided he didn't need such a secure roost. I'll keep an eye out for him again though.

[posie]

Interesting, wonder what will happen in the spring, long way off yet.

[Dinasaw]

Originally Posted by posie

Interesting, wonder what will happen in the spring, long way off yet.

But, is it?? Here in East Anglia, it is still really mild. I 've been tidying up the garden today after the winds, and find lots of the shrubs are 'on bud' and bulbs are stating to emerge ... also the jackdaws are looking with interest at the chimney-pots where they often nest.

Bluey in his terracotta head roost really made me chuckle!

[posie]

One year we had a sparrow building a nest the first week of December, it was very mild like now. Then the cold weather came in and it gave up on the nesting, nest was nearly finished. I thought it was a bit strange, but it had a good supply of food and a warm barn to nest in so it must have got a bit mixed up. It was really strange to see the bird carrying lengths of nesting material in at that time of year..... Posie

[werdnal]

Saw him again last night. He left it until nearly dark, so I could hardly see him, but I hear him chirping so hung around and just caught a glimpse of him going in. I don't think it will prove suitable for a nest in the spring, as its open at the bottom. He squeezes in then sits on a wire across the inside that once held the head onto the rest of the "man".

I agree its mild, we have roses in flower and a pyracantha bush with winter berries and spring flowers on it. It seems to get more out of step every year. No frost to speak of yet, but these gales are beginning to get me down now. I can't sleep when its windy - 2 bad nights now and its supposed to be back this evening. Atleast I am indoors and not snuggled up in a terracotta head!!!!!

[posie]

well, I can't think what he/she's up to. could you customise the Head so it would be suitable for nesting when the time comes? with regard to being kept awake by the gales/wind, have you tried earplugs, and a good slug of plonk ! ! Hope you get some sleep tonight....//Posie..