 |
| Graph made with Cumulus using data from my weather station |
Before the change in temperature we were subjected to another snow fall. During that time I could see the Great Tit roosting in the nest box was shivering to keep warm.
Overnight the snow turned to rain which lasted until mid morning. That had melted the snow by day break leaving large pools of water everywhere. Finally the sky cleared and the Sun put in an appearance. At one stage it looked as thought my shed and conservatory were on fire. It turned out to be the heat from the Sun rapidly drying out the woodwork and sending up clouds of water vapour.
So you leave me with a number of questions which I feel pretty sure must have obvious answers for someone that lives in your kind of climate! but would that poor little bird have shivered like that all night? And what would happen next morning? Would it simply fly off as soon as it warmed up a bit. From someone living in the tropics it's really hard to imagine!
ReplyDeleteThey shiver on and off all night Mick. It helps to generate some heat. As soon as it is daylight they are awake and out looking for food no matter what the weather.
DeletePoor mite. I was thinking of your GT just yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAdrian: make you feel cold just watching it.
DeleteHi John,
ReplyDeletePoor Great Tit, looks as though it was really struggling to keep warm. At least it had your nest box to stay in or it would have been even worse out in the open. So glad to see this warm weather in the last couple of days, it's been such a nice change
Joe: Every bird which has winter roosted in the box has behaved in the same way. It must use up a lot of energy in a small bird.
DeleteAt least it was dry in there John if not very warm. We had snow too which eventually turned to rain. I wonder if that's it now or if there are any more cold spells to come, there's still time of course.
ReplyDeleteJan: Great to get rid of the snow. Now I just want my lawn to dry out as it has been like a quagmire for months.
Deleteglad it takes shelter in the nesting box, even when not nesting. :)
ReplyDeleteTWG: hopefully it will build a nest there in the Spring.
Delete