As planned, we took a peek in the bird box this morning. I did as I'd read on the internet and tapped lightly on the side of the box incase any adult birds were inside, even though I know neither have been anywhere near it for about a week. As there was no response, we removed the lid and took a look inside.
The inside looked very cosy, with lost of twigs and straw lined with green moss. There was a hollow in one corner, the shape of a sitting bird but no sign of any eggs, eggshells or, thankfully hatchlings that hadn't survived.
I am now sure that the nesting box was abandoned before the female had laid. The abandonment could have been for a number of reasons. Maybe they realised it was in the wrong position and became too hot in the sun for any chicks to survive. Maybe it was too close to the bird feeder, I have read that the noise and bustle of numerous birds at a feeder can scare away nesting bluetits, they like peace and quiet. Maybe a cat or larger birds had got too close and frightened them away. Or maybe they were just too young, and this was their first effort and it just didn't work out.
Whatever the reason, we have relocated the bird box to a cooler, better shaded part of the garden, quieter and out of the way of prying cats. Bluetits only lay once a year (generally) in April/May and so I don't expect any further activity in the box this year but we'll keep an eye on it... just incase. You never know, a different bird type may take an interest.
At least I'm happier knowing no eggs or hatchlings were harmed in our first nesting box.
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