no success with nests

greenace233 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011, 11:22 PM

Hi everyone

last year the blackbirds lost two nests just a few days off fledging. This year the nestlings were taken after just one day. Its right beside the conservatory and hidden in a very thawny bush. The doves have had no success either. Losin her eggs both times. Its early in the season but its almost like something is watching and waiting. I havent seen any magpies and im sure the cats couldnt get in the bush. You cant even see the nest close up. Im completely puzzled. When the collard dove lost her egg i did find shell pieces in the bird bath. Bless her she sat on the nest for a further 2 days before she realised the nest was empty. Any thoughts anyone.

davecatt · #2 (**permalink**) 05-04-2011, 02:27 AM

If not magpie then one of the other Corvids,they are all capable enough to use the side of a birdbath or any other solid object to break eggs. A rodent or mustelid predator would either eat the eggs on the spot or more likely carry them off and eat them under cover.

rossy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-04-2011, 08:47 AM

i had exactly the same problem last year , 3 lots the poor blackbirds lost, but dunnocks manged and were successful, actually saw a crow at one, but going back to yours, it has all the hallmarks of a rat, even though you may have not seen one, get in touch with your council and ask them to put poison down, other candidates could be a hedgehog, do you have any in your garden ? rossy.

witham · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2011, 09:20 AM

I've seen Jackdaws on a raiding mission and they'll stick their heads right into the densest of hedges to get to the eggs, as has been said any of the covrids are capable of the same, you usually know when the Mags are about though as they are very vocal

greenace233 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2011, 10:09 PM

Hi thanks for your thoughts. The dove egg was there in the morning but the shell was half eaten on the patio in the afternoon. I have not heard magpies as yet but rat may be possible. no hedgehogs at all. Today, however there is a single blackbird egg in the nest. no mum on the scene. i will ring the council and let them know about the rats. its right by the house. we can see all thats go in and out when the inside light is on after dark. Half tempted to put a camera up. Last year something got all 5 chic just a couple of days before fledge. heartbreaking. The neighbours have had failures with the blackbirds at early stages too this year.