Still six eggs in the nest box today so it looks like she has finished laying and has started incubating them. This morning she left the box for a short while so it was easy to count them. Soon after she returned the male brought a tasty morsel. I had to laugh as once she had taken the food it looked as though she bumped him out of the nest. Then she spent a while as though she was looking for mouths to feed before she ate the grub herself.
Such a treat to be able to see all this John. It must make you feel good inside, knowing that you're helping them like this.
ReplyDeleteI've copied some relevant bits from some software I have, on breeding birds.
Egg-laying
April to early May.
Clutch Size
Usually 8-13 ranging from 7 to 15; single or double-brooded.
Incubation
Usually 13-14 days though ranging from 10 to 22 days; by the female and begins when the last egg has been laid.
Fledging Period
Young leave the nest at 16-22 days, becoming independent after a further 2-4 weeks.
Parental Care
Young are tended and fed by both adults.
Going to be interesting :)
This is quite an astonishing record John.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating to watch the progress John.
ReplyDeleteShe really did look like she was looking for mouths to feed. It amused me that she had her breakfast then settled down for a snooze :)
It is a treat Keith though I spend too much time watching the monitor lol. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating to watch Roy.
ReplyDeleteIt is Jan. I think she is quite exhausted really after producing six eggs in six days. She does a lot of short snoozing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful video ~ love the way she seems to count the eggs and makes sure that no one is ready for a meal before downing it herself. I'm really looking forward to the ongoing developments. Thanks :) Interesting info from Jan as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Glo. Needless to say I am looking forward to watching things over the next few weeks.
ReplyDelete