The completed bird box (minus roof, of course!) is based on the
dimensions given on the bird box plan page and
RSPB guidelines.
Last year this nestbox was fitted with a miniature surveillance
camera and was home to 11 blue tit chicks. In spite of a cold,
wet spring that saw heavy losses of blue tit chicks in Britain,
all 11 chicks survived, thanks to being supplied with a constant
source of live mealworms from the
mealworm feeder. It became pretty crowded in this box, particularly
when mum and dad brought the food.
The two lighter coloured pieces of wood only serve to support the
false perspex ceiling. This was installed to prevent the birds from
pecking at the camera electronics and wiring that was installed between
the ceiling and the wooden roof.
This year I've installing a small batten part way up the inside of
the front wall. It's a long way for the blue tit chicks to scramble
from the nest to the opening, and they do like to see what's out in
that new world before making that vital first flight! |
