Blue Tits & Blackbirds nesting....

[smudge]

We have always had Blue Tits nesting in one particular box in our back garden, but for the first time this year, they haven't been back & we've really missed them.

However, we have Blackbirds nesting in a tree outside our kitchen window at eye level & only a few feet away from the nesting box - so lovely to watch the Mum & Dad busy feeding the babies.

Do you think that the Blue Tits haven't been back, due to the Blackbirds nesting in close proximity to 'their' nesting box?

[perose]

I think they need their own space, so if the blackbirds are really close they would have firghtened them away. Perhaps for next year you could move the nesting box!

[WendyS]

Hi Smudge, Yes, I suppose it's possible they have felt intimidated by having larger birds nearby, epsecially if the blackbirds were up and running with their nest first. However, it's worth checking that the blue tit nesting box hasn't been taken over by some other creatures. Our blue tits gave their usual nesting box a miss too this spring. When I eventually checked it, I found it had been taken over by a family of field mice. I suppose it's always possible that if they come back to the same box every year your particular little tits have been killed or have died during the year. Am not sure how long they live for.

[Kozmic Blues]

Read the part in yellow.It is about weather.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/gardens/advice/wherebir dsgone/birdsdecline.asp

kozmic

[Thunderbird+]

Hi smudge, Yes I think your on the right track, the black bird is very teritorial especially when it comes to nesting time. Its a good idea to keep nesting box's as far appart as you can in your garden to prevent squables and promote harmony, best well away from the bird table too. All the Best. T bird.

[Lonnie]

Hi smudge, i'd tend to agree with the others on this, but still, as you've said, to get a close up of the Blackbirds is a great joy in itself.

Did you see Springwatch, with the Cuckoo chick pushing the hosts chicks out the nest, still, thats nature.

[shaneystar2]

Hi smudge ..I had this conversation with Lonnie on a previous thread.
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals_and_Nat ure/Question241299.html
Such a shame when this happens....but I have spent an hour or so laughing at the antics of the starling fledglings in my garden this afternoon .Talk about arguementative children !!

[Kozmic Blues]

I am amused by the birds stealing my dogs food.every time she is not looking they are down to steal a bit.when she turnes and catches them she starts to bark.

It is fun to watch the birds get one over on a bigger
animal.hehe

kozmic :)

[smudge]

Hi All - thank you so much for all your replies. Sorry for not replying earlier - been a busy bee!

That specific nesting box is approx 20 feet away from where the Blackbirds are nesting, so it could be the reason why the Blue Tits haven't been back.

Having said that the other nesting boxes scattered around the garden haven't been used either, for the first time ever!

Kozmic Blues has a point there, p'raps it is due to the awful spring we've had!

The Blackbirds are a joy to watch & to listen to -'specially everytime Mummy or Daddy come back with little morsels for their babies - ah!

Enjoy the sunshine everyone & thanks again.