Trying to get video files up to YouTube yesterday was a nightmare. They would upload but processing seemed to have come to a full stop. In the end I remembered I had a Photobucket account so put them there. The only problem I have found is that there doesn't seem to be a way for me to choose the size of the displayed videos unlike YouTube which gives several choices. All these clips are silent.
I get the feeling the Great Tit wanted a bit more ventilation in the nestbox as from time to time it has been pecking at the back wall. Maybe it wants an emergency exit.
A couple of videos from the first night the Great Tit used the nestbox as a roost.
The first shows how it fluffs out its downy feathers to turn itself into a birdy duvet.
The last video shows it stretching its wings in preparation for leaving the box in the morning.
So far the Great Tit has roosted in the nestbox every night since those video clips were made, There don't seem to have been any more intruders but the bottom of the box is still covered in feathers from the scrap a few nights ago.
Have a great weekend observing the wildlife around you.
Friday is always a good day but the second clip is superb. I've never seen anything like it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating Adrian seeing the 'secret' life of a creature. I guess all small, and maybe not so small, birds go through that routine every cold night to keep warm.
ReplyDeleteGreat flicks, John. That is quite some process for getting dressed in the morning; almost as much to do as I do in the mornings!
ReplyDeleteWell done John, excellent videos! Fascinating behaviour, the Great Tit seemed very determined to try and make another hole! In the second video your description of a duvet was spot on. We learn so much from seeing these 'private moments' that we normally wouldn't be privileged to witness. Thank you for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteJohn, these are amazing videos into the life of the Great Tit.
ReplyDeleteThat first one, he's really going at the back of the bird box. It's like he thinks he's a woodpecker lol
Second one is something I've never seen before. The way the feathers are fluffed up like that.
And the third; well, what a performance to get up and out in the mornings lol
Absolutely brilliant John.
Thank you Wilma. All animals seem to have a good stretching session first thing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan. I knew Great Tits often enlarged the entrance to a bird box but I didn't expect it to start inside as well. The GT goes through the same routine every night and it was lucky I reconnected the camera early, just in case.
ReplyDeleteThank you Keith. I think GTs are well know for enlarging entrance holes but I didn't expect it to do the same inside.
ReplyDeleteLast year the Blue Tit was fluffed out like that but I didn't manage to see it in action. It takes more than five minutes to get the feathers just right and happens every night. I love the way it tucks its face in as well.
John, this is quite an amazing set of informative videos, thanks for posting them.
ReplyDeleteHello Roy. It is a privilege and fascinating to be able to observe a bird in its private moments. The GT seems to have well and truly adopted the box as it is still using it every night. Warm home and food about 20 feet away ;)
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