However, it is important that you take care when doing so. Scientific studies have shown that, as long as observers are careful and follow the BTO's guidance, making several visits to a nest to record the contents does not increase the probability of it failing. Looking inside a box will not automatically cause the parents to desert the nest.Where possible, we ask Nesting Neighbours participants to look inside their nest boxes to note the stage of the nest, but minimising disturbance to the breeding birds is obviously of utmost importance. Note that there is never any need to record the number of eggs or chicks in the box/nest more than once per day, even if you are monitoring it with a camera.Ĭode of Conduct when looking in a nest box That way you will be able to find out how many eggs have been laid and how many chicks have been produced without causing too much disturbance.ĭon't give up monitoring the nest/box when the birds have successfully left, or the nest has failed, because either the same pair or another pair of birds may try to nest again. If you notice that birds have started nesting in your box, or you have an open nest in your garden shrub, start looking inside it once every 4-5 days. A few well-planned visits to the nest/box can provide all the information we need.Įarly in the season, check your box(es) once a week or so to see if anything is using them, and carry on checking at this frequency right through the year, as the box may be used for a repeat nesting attempt by a pair which attempted a first brood elsewhere. ![]() To get as much information as possible about each breeding attempt it is best to look in the nest/box on several occasions, though no more than is necessary (so as to disturb the birds as little as possible). ![]() If you see birds flying in and out of the box, it's definitely worth having a look inside, particularly if they are carrying nesting material. ![]() Most Blue Tits and Great Tits will begin nesting in late March or April, but different species will start nesting at different times. Hazel McCambridge When to start monitoring your nest box/nestīirds can begin nesting in a box any time from February onwards, so it is important to start your monitoring as early as possible in the year.īirds may go in and out of the boxes very quickly, so even if you haven't seen any activity, it's always worth taking a careful look.
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