magpies

[Lindaf]

There has been a nest box on the back wall of my house since I moved here 5 years ago but this is the first time its ever been used by a pair of blue tits. Last Thursday morning a magpie was in the garden with a dead baby bird. It was early, about 6am. The box was silent -could here the birds before. The parents came back once and I havent seen them since, not even to feed. I havent had the courage to look inside the box yet. Will magpies target the box if other birds nest there. Do I need to resite it. I think I need to replace it as it has a perch on the front which apparently makes it easier for predators

[PiratesAhoy!]

Magpies don't tend to bother with boxes in my experience, as there's no reliable way they can get to what's inside, and they are not patient enough to sit and wait for birds to come out. They'd rather pester the more exposed blackbird nests.

What's more likely is that the bird was out already, and the magpie saw the opportunity.

As for what frightened the bluetits off, it could be a number of things. Perhaps the presence of the magpie was a factor. Is the nest box exposed, or is it sited near cover? Perhaps an alternative location for the box should be sought - either in some sort of foliage, or very nearby so that the birds can feel safer about coming in and out of it.

[Reiver]

Hi... Magpies are often a problem in our neck of the woods. It can be distressing to see them target a young family but there are products available to help combat the problem...

I've seen small 'pipes' that can be fixed on to the front of a box so that it makes it impossible for them to gain access to the nest inside.

[barn owl]

Hi,
Even if you move the box, cut the perch off as they dont need it. but pirates is right try to put it somewhere with cover.
regards owl.