General Chat

WOW!!! I gt a different bird today, hubby said he thought it was a great tit. It had a black head and was a bit bigger than blue tit and probably quite a bit brighter. I am well chuffed. LL

PP, replied on your threadxxx LL

Blooming Greedy Starlings!!!!! I put one of those coconut shells out only a couple of days ago to replace the one that was empty, in 2 days its gone. Same with pigeons and the stuff I put onto the table for (all) the birds. The smaller ones aren't getting much of a look in now. LL

Thanks Buggs, Thats not a bad Idea. So long as it wouldn't injure any birds.For instance their wings or feet getting stuck in mesh. I would feel awful if that were to happen. LL

we have a box in our garden and we have had blue tits nesting for the last 3 years, have seen some browsing this year but nothing going on in there yet sharon

Ok Buggs will take a look. I keep nudging this thread, because I keep getting lots of usefull advice. And it would seem quite a few are interested in birdwatching as well. I use it as a reference to keep going back to and checking things out. Thanks again LL

Had Squirrel visit, Yesterday afternoone, but only for about a minute.xx LL

OOHhh tried to garden this morning but kept stopping to watch---babies may be due to fledge!!!,Cos once they are out of the box--that's it they go,seen a little face in the hole of the box but parents are still bakwards and forwards feeding like mad

Well what do you expect,it has been rather cold these last few days. Hal. :o))))))>

Anne, I think there are alot of fledglins around (esp starlings). I just can't keep up. As quick as I refill trays they swoop down and devour everything. The baby starlings are as big as parents, but alot fatter, and they are blooming lazy. Poor mum lands on my table with several fledglins, and they just stand actually in the food with their mouths open waiting for poor mum to pop some food in. I think the bluetits may have young as well, cos they are comming to table more regular, and staying longer. Squirrel not been back today, but had a big fat pigeon, and a Magpie.xx LL

We've got bluetits in our box - parents are back & forth with caterpillars & all manner of tasty-looking morsels (!) We'll be away Sat/Sun - what's the betting they'll decide to fledge then? Angela

Hello Buggs and Angela, Buggs thanks to your previous tips, its not costing me quite as much (thankyoux) they seem to love fruit, and I hate bananas when they are only even slightly brown. Having said that I went to a big pet shop the other day to top up on stuff for them, but at least its lasting a bit longer now. Angela, I hope you see the fledglings before you go away, but if you don't I think mum and dad may bring them to table when they are ready. LLxx

Hi LL We did see some fledge a few years ago, at our previous house. It was wonderful - although one was so small & weak I doubt it survived. I did see some babies here last year at our feeders - you could tell they were babies because they were fluffy & still had their 'big' mouths! Also, you could get pretty close cos they didn't have the fear older birds would have. Nothing quite like it, is there? Angela

In case anyone's interested (?). Well, I'm pleased to say we got back from our weekend away to find the baby bluetits still in the nestbox & making more noise than ever, sounding more like birds than mice now! I can see the box from my computer chair, so am keeping a close eye on it! Was also thrilled to see a family of coaltits feeding from our feeders, including parents still feeding the babies. They are soooo gorgeous. Angela

Lucky you, Angela. We haven't seen much of the bluetits since there reccy of the bird box and rejection of it! O.h. was saying this evening despite all the Starlings and Blackbirds in the garden, we haven't seen any young ones this year. Strange as we saw them collecting stuff for nests weeks ago. Usually have lots of baby birds around the bird table and under the plants.

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Baby bluetits still not fledged - keeping a close eye. Did anyone see Springwatch tonight? Daddy Barn Owl at Heligan seems to have disappeared, courtesy of the local buzzard. Angela

Hi Angela, Hubby was watching that programme Bill Oddy. How long does it takes for the bluetits to fledge? Seems ages since you first mentioned it. I'm no expert, but would like to know. It must be good being able to watch them as closely as you are. Bluetits are usually quite shy, aren't they? LLx

Hello LL My birdbook says they fledge at 16 - 22 days, can't remember when I first noticed the parents going to and fro with food. Think they might be almost ready as I saw a little head appear at the opening of the box this afternoon! Angela

Aww Angela, Let us know when they arrive. Am off to bed in a mo so will say goodnight. I will nudge this thread now and then for peeps to add...OR...anyone.. FEEL FREE TO NUDGE