Disappearing eggs?

[Jaxx]

Such excitement here when nestcam showed that Mrs Bluetit had laid an egg on Easter Monday! And this morning when I switched on around 9.00 am there was another one to keep it company. :):):)

BUT at 11.00 am when I checked the tv before going out - PANIC - there were no eggs to be seen :eek:. I've just come home and there's be a small disturbance of the nesting material but no sign of the eggs.

Could they be hidden? Or, horror of horrors, has something taken them? We have occasional visits from a woodpecker after peanuts and there are magpies around, but the nestbox has a bluetit-sized metal plate over the hole. Have we had a predator? Will Mrs B return if her eggs have gone??? If she does, what can we do to protect them?

[Lisa]

Hi Jaxx

I have asked our wildlife advisor Martin George for his opion on your missing eggs and he has offered the following suggestions:

Two possibilities immediately spring to mind.

The first is that the female has covered the eggs with part of the nest lining, something they often do before the clutch is complete. This can look as if something has torn up the nest cup and eaten the eggs.

The second possibility is that something has taken the eggs. Typically this would be a mouse, in which case putting some flimsy, slippy plastic over the roof with a generous, mouse-ejecting overhang (like a cut down ice cream tub lid), or fitting a nest box guardian, might prevent further access. Unfortunately there is always a risk that the parents will simply abandon anyway or be spooked by the new attachment, but if a mouse has discovered a nest they usually come back, in which case failure is guaranteed if you do nothing, but possibly averted if you take a simple precaution.

I’m hoping it’s the first possibility!

I hope that this is of some help and we hope to hear that the eggs reappear in the coming days and weeks.

Kindest Regards

[PiratesAhoy!]

Don't rule out the possibility that the parent bird threw out the eggs herself. She might do that if the nest seems unviable, there isn't enough of a food supply, or the eggs weren't fertile. Actually there could be a number of other factors involved as well such as weather and the availability of her mate.

Very unlikely for a magpie to raid a nest *box* - that's more likely to be a woodpecker's style, but if there's no perch on the outside and a metal plate, it's unlikely a woodpecker would bother.

We have a bluetit box here occupied by a dunnock, and one of their very blue eggs was cast out a few days ago. Again, could be any number of reasons for it, but predators aren't suspected since it was mostly intact on the floor.

[Jaxx]

Thank you Lisa and PiratesAhoy! I'm pleased to report that we were just being over-anxious first-time nestcam parents! And Martin was right, Lisa. Because... this morning there were THREE eggs in the nest and now 2 are hidden again and the third is partially covered. What a relief!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again for all the info. Fingers crossed here for a successful season.

[emma bessant]

Hello!!!
What a lot of excitment!! I have just purchased a bird box with colour camera from BirdBox cameras (a family run business, just joined forum chat actually!!) i cant wait to see if anything will nest in it!!! i dont think i will be able to look away!!! ha ha
Keep us posted Jaxx xx

[Jaxx]

Lucky you Emma, having a colour camera. Mine is b/w + infrared (apparently Santa had run out of colour ones at the time) but I think it is one of the best Christmas presents I've ever had :)

We've just watched Ms B getting settled for the night. When she first started staying overnight she was in by 7, but now it's normally 7.30pm.

Anyone passing the window would think that we've become total telly addicts ;) :D

[emma bessant]

Hello Jaxx!
Hope you dont mind but i would like to enjoy hearing about your family!!! as obviously no-one is living in mine yet!!!!
What time does Ms B get up?? ha ha, I have just put out live mealworms as from yesterday, getting ready for helping those very busy mummy and daddys!!
If you ever wanted to get another box with camera (colour) to site in another place i think mine was only £69.99, will look out details/web site address etc if you want me too.
Enjoy your day with your new family!!!!
Emma xxxxxxxxxx

[Jaxx]

Thanks Emma. I'd appreciate the info.

Having read that birds normally lay their eggs at dawn, before we went to bed about 02.15 last night (this morning?) I checked yesterday's paper to find that sunrise was 6.06am. So, in spite of being more of a night owl than an early bird, I set the alarm for 05.55 :eek: and we were rewarded by finding her only just stirring .... and seemingly trying to ignore the loud wake-up call that was coming from outside the box somewhere.

She then shuffled around for some time, reorganising the nest and performing some entertaining near headstands, and when she left at 06.20 there it was - the 4th egg. "Yippeeeeee!" and then back to bed for us.

I put mealworms out every day too, but it's the robins that are normally waiting for them, with blackbirds and starlings close behind. Have tried feeding from my hand but can't stand the feel of the wriggly wormies and I think they bite!

[Lisa]

That is eggs-cellent news (:rolleyes: sorry guys couldn't resist!!).

Looking forward to future updates.

Regards

[emma bessant]

Thanks Emma. I'd appreciate the info.

Having read that birds normally lay their eggs at dawn, before we went to bed about 02.15 last night (this morning?) I checked yesterday's paper to find that sunrise was 6.06am. So, in spite of being more of a night owl than an early bird, I set the alarm for 05.55 :eek: and we were rewarded by finding her only just stirring .... and seemingly trying to ignore the loud wake-up call that was coming from outside the box somewhere.

She then shuffled around for some time, reorganising the nest and performing some entertaining near headstands, and when she left at 06.20 there it was - the 4th egg. "Yippeeeeee!" and then back to bed for us.

I put mealworms out every day too, but it's the robins that are normally waiting for them, with blackbirds and starlings close behind. Have tried feeding from my hand but can't stand the feel of the wriggly wormies and I think they bite!

Hi Jaxx,
Just checking in with you as not had an up-date for a day or two!!!! how is your little family doing??
Emma xx:cool:

[Jaxx]

Hi Emma

Sorry for the lack of news :o but we hadn't seen the eggs clearly for a couple of days. Mrs B has been hiding them before getting up in the morning, so we haven't been able to keep count. Luckily, she'd uncovered them yesterday evening and then popped out again before returning to settle in for the night. And there were eight!

This morning we got up even earlier (05.40!!!) and were rewarded when she moved out of the nest cup to admire her efforts and let us have a peep before she left for breakfast. Now we have NINE!! :) :)

It's getting very crowded in there.

Now it's my turn to go get some breakfast ... and maybe another hour in bed!

Jackie x

[emma bessant]

:eek: Hi Jaxx,
Are you getting my replys???
I get notification on my e-mail that you have sent me a message then i reply to you but each time i come on here to the forum there is no reply:eek:!
Let me know!!! hope you and your bird family are well!
Emma xxx

Hi Emma

Sorry for the lack of news :o but we hadn't seen the eggs clearly for a couple of days. Mrs B has been hiding them before getting up in the morning, so we haven't been able to keep count. Luckily, she'd uncovered them yesterday evening and then popped out again before returning to settle in for the night. And there were eight!

This morning we got up even earlier (05.40!!!) and were rewarded when she moved out of the nest cup to admire her efforts and let us have a peep before she left for breakfast. Now we have NINE!!

It's getting very crowded in there.

Now it's my turn to go get some breakfast ... and maybe another hour in bed!

Jackie x

[PiratesAhoy!]

Are you replying to the email? That won't work as a reply - you need to come back on to the forum and reply here.

[emma bessant]

Dear PiratesAhoy!
Thank you so much for info i bet i have done that loads!!!:eek:
Its only cos i went to sens another maessage to Jaxx and saw my reply before wasnt there:eek:
A least I know now!!!! THANK YOU xxxxx
Emma xx:)


Are you replying to the email? That won't work as a reply - you need to come back on to the forum and reply here.

[Jaxx]

Home from hols yesterday pm to find that Mrs Bluetit had increased from ten to TWELVE eggs in the box!!

Then, with the most perfect of timing :) the first one hatched early this morning. Mr B has been working hard to supply food and now the second has emerged. Looks as though it is going to be a busy day!!!

We are thrilled to bits :D :D

[emma bessant]

WOW JAXX! (Jackie),
That is fantastic news bet your glued to watching!!! Please keep me up-dated just off out but will check your status as soon as i get home!!!
WELL DONE!!! A proud mummy!!! LOL
Emma xxxxx:cool:




Home from hols yesterday pm to find that Mrs Bluetit had increased from ten to TWELVE eggs in the box!!

Then, with the most perfect of timing :) the first one hatched early this morning. Mr B has been working hard to supply food and now the second has emerged. Looks as though it is going to be a busy day!!!

We are thrilled to bits :D :D

[Jaxx]

Well, since my last post and true to the title of this thread, all 12 eggs have now disappeared ;). The great news is that over a period of 3 days every single one hatched and, as far as we can tell, all babies are still present and correct. Mum and Dad are working their socks off to keep everyone fed!!

We've been amazed at the rate of development, though there's quite a difference between the day 1 chicks and the day 3 late-comers. They looked remarkably like Gremlins for a few days, with tufts of fluff on their heads and huge mouths. Most now have a goodly amount of plumage, their eyes are open, and they've even been flapping their little wings. Very cute :)

[emma bessant]

Hi Jaxx,
Only just realised I hadnt replied to you!!, Thanks fantastic news I bet you are glued to watching them, I cant wait til someone moves into my camera box, had a large spider in there last night!! (not very exciting to watch though! lol)
Enjoy watching them and keep us up-dated with news!
Emma xxxxxxx:cool:

Well, since my last post and true to the title of this thread, all 12 eggs have now disappeared ;). The great news is that over a period of 3 days every single one hatched and, as far as we can tell, all babies are still present and correct. Mum and Dad are working their socks off to keep everyone fed!!

We've been amazed at the rate of development, though there's quite a difference between the day 1 chicks and the day 3 late-comers. They looked remarkably like Gremlins for a few days, with tufts of fluff on their heads and huge mouths. Most now have a goodly amount of plumage, their eyes are open, and they've even been flapping their little wings. Very cute :)

[Jaxx]

Wow - what a nestful!! We've managed an accurate count at last and there are definitely 12 chicks. I don't think there'd be any room for even a little spider, Emma ;). Even Johnny/Jenny-come-lately has proper feathers now and eyes open.

We got a surprise on Saturday night when we tuned in at about 23.30 because Momma Blue was not in the nest. The chicks are spending their nights alone.

I was going to upload a photo of the hatchlings and another at 12 days old but it's a bit beyond my feeble tech skills. Perhaps the files are too big :confused: I've no idea how to make them smaller. We have some nice little video clips too but that is a giant stride too far for me!!

[emma bessant]

Ha ha I wouldnt have a clue how to down load pics or videos either!! (not the anyone would be interested in my spider!!):p
Dont worry about pics I have really loved getting your messgaes! keep it up and let me know anything else that happens!! wow 12 chicks i cant wait sp i can watch a nest full of birds, prob have to wait a long year now unless there is a late brood??
Emma xxx


Wow - what a nestful!! We've managed an accurate count at last and there are definitely 12 chicks. I don't think there'd be any room for even a little spider, Emma ;). Even Johnny/Jenny-come-lately has proper feathers now and eyes open.

We got a surprise on Saturday night when we tuned in at about 23.30 because Momma Blue was not in the nest. The chicks are spending their nights alone.

I was going to upload a photo of the hatchlings and another at 12 days old but it's a bit beyond my feeble tech skills. Perhaps the files are too big :confused: I've no idea how to make them smaller. We have some nice little video clips too but that is a giant stride too far for me!!

[Jaxx]

Sorry it's been so long since I reported on bluetit family's progress. The final outcome was that the first 6 left the nest on the same day - and boy were they ready to go, with lots of wing whirring and hopping up to the entrance hole to check out the outside world before they actually flew.

The next 2 slightly smaller ones left the following morning, leaving 4 in the box still being fed by parents. Then, tragedy! The smallest one just died at some point late in the afternoon. The others nudged it a few times and then left it and huddled together, and then the next morning they'd left home too.

So, we were upset to lose the little one but were thrilled that 11 successfully launched themselves into the big wide world.

Now what can we watch on the tv? Big Brother just doesn't have the same appeal!!

[70007]

That is excellent (except for the one sad loss). I always love watching the activities of babies in a nest. They grow so rapidly that it is amazing to think back to one or two weeks previously when they were just a tiny blind thing and now they are virtually full-sized.

John