Before he/she flies into the nest with the food this blue tit stops on this piece of wood and has a good look around. His/her mate flies straight into the hole in the wall without stopping - so fast!!
I watched the birds for most of the day and took lots of photos - difficult to decide which ones to share with you!!
Sadly we noticed some movement at the front of the hole in the wall and it was one of the babies but far too young to fledge. The adults continued to go in and out of the nest with food but flew over the baby and did not give it any food. This morning I have checked and it has died. Nature can be very cruel!! I don't know whether to remove the dead body from the opening of the hole as I don't want maggots to get into the actual nest which may happen if it remans where it is. I don't want to frighten away the adults so maybe I shouldn't interfere? Oh dear what to do? Any experts out there?
There is a difference between a fledgling and a nestling. You story sounds like it was a nestling - fell out of the nest far too early. Its tough but little you can do! Remove the dead body for sure!
A wonderful photo of this bird!
Lovely capture and leave the body there. If it's a problem, the adults will remove it and if maggots get on it, it's less work for mum and dad to find food for the babies.
What a wonderful photo!!! What a difficult story to report! Whoever said that maggots would make for easy food delivery, is on the right path I think! Nature has its ways and has been carrying on without our assistance for forever!
Brilliant shot, lovely detail. I've got a Blue Tit nestbox full, too. Unfortunately, its just in the wrong place, been there for years, and the tree branches hide it in darkness, and the parents just whizz straight in.
@Weezilou I had a word with Pete the owner who has so many birds, ducks, chickens, geese and is a real country man. He said to leave the dead body in the nest as it may scare the parents off if I start messing around. He does not think we should interfere with nature as it often goes wrong when we do. He says the other babies will eat any maggots and if there is a problem the parents will sort it out as they keep the nest so clean. The adults have been feeding the other chicks constantly all day. I do hope I see the babies fledge!!
So sad, but nature is such sometimes. I agree with not moving the deceased. Nature works this out too. I figure without the intervention from us bozo humans, nature seems to be able to flourish just fine. Despite the unfortunate events, it's a great capture.
Two of our little blue tits died inside the camera nest box. Fortunately, they fledged the next day so we were able to remove the dead bodies. Gorgeous shot of this parent Fav
A wonderful photo of this bird!
What a super shot though.