Morfa Berwig Nest Box project update Wednesday 16th May 2018

I have been monitoring the 44 nest boxes at Morfa Berwig since the beginning of April, there have been signs of activity in 49% of the boxes, however todays update perhaps presents a better idea of the breeding season so far.

The cold nights in the past week have taken their toll on one box where all seven well grown Great Tit chicks have perished.

It seems that a predator, probably a Weasel, has finished off two clutches of eggs.

On the brighter side I did manage to ring three great tit chicks, albeit there were originally eight eggs in the clutch.

NEST BOX NUMBER	ACTIVITY RECORDED	Species
3	Female incubating NB not counted	Blue Tit
4	Female incubating NB not counted	Great Tit
6	Nest deserted, all seven chicks dead	Great Tit
9	Nine eggs warm	Great Tit
11	Female incubating NB not counted	Blue Tit
16	Predated	Not known
20	Three well grown chicks from eight eggs these have been ringed with ring numbers TZ…909, 910,911	Great Tit
21	Female incubating not counted	Blue Tit
33	Female incubating not counted	Blue Tit
35	Predated, two eggs discarded	Great Tit
40	Female incubating not counted	Great Tit
41	Female incubating not counted	Blue Tit
42	Six NB, there were 6 eggs on the last visit	Blue Tit

 So, to explain a bit further NB means the eggs have hatched, the chicks have no down (Naked) and their eyes are shut (Blind)

I am away for a week in the sun, internet permitting I may write a few blogs, if not I'll catch up on my return.