spotted flycatchers RIP

[sparkygirl]

Hi all,
I am gutted as I had a spotted flycatcher pair nesting in roses under my upstairs window. They nested in the same place as last year and have been busy building and laid eggs about a week ago. I noticed two days ago that the adults weren't around, and when I peered into the nest was surprised to see three of the eggs had hatched into tiny dark struggling things! Eventually one of the parents came back to the nest and I hoped all would be ok. When I got home yesterday evening the birds weren't around at all, and when I looked into the nest its completely empty of birds, shells, everything and no sign of the parents. I guess cats might have got one or both and magpies or woodpeckers got the babies. Very sad.
In my RSPB book it says urgent research is needed into why numbers of spotted flycatchers are declining so steeply... Anyone got any experience?
Jane

[aeshna5]

That's sad. They used to be a pretty common bird, but I haven't even seen one yet this year!

[ChrisJB]

The demise of spotted flycatchers in my particular parish in SE Lancs is astonishing and very sad. Very occasional birds are sometimes seen in suitable areas in spring but they very rarely stay on and breed. Autumn passage tends to be slightly more reliable. They were guaranteed every year when I was a lad.

Regards, Chris