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Bird Boxes project - Diary
pages 2009 Season - 11th January 2009
Welcome to the 2009 season.
I know I am a bit early but I thought I would update you as to what has been happening during the winter months and what is going to be happening this season.
During October 2008 each box was cleaned out ready for this season. Most nests were successful but sadly three failed with dead chicks and unhatched eggs.
The box used by the Nuthatchs was cleaned out and it was discovered that the nest had failed. It is possible the female either abandonded the nest or was killed.
Some of the unused boxes have been moved to different areas of the reserve and during December & January 2009 some extra boxes were added, including a few Tawny Owl. Below are some photos of one of the new Tawny Owl boxes being installed and an example of what one of them looks like.
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One of the Tawny Owl boxes being put up |
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One of the new Tawny Owl boxes |
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In 2009 there will be 12 zones surveyed and details will be added nearer the beginning of the nesting season.
Currently we are preparing all the recording website pages for this season and also checking each box is still numbered. Surveys will begin from March 2009 and end around the beginning of June.
There are still a few boxes to be put up so you may spot some people wondering around with ladders in the reserve.
On Saturday 10th January we were trying out a new digital camera that we purchased in the reserve. This camera is made by Canon and has a X20 optical zoom allowing me to take photos from a distance. Whist testing the camera a pair of Blue Tits were observed checking one of the Blue Tit boxes in Netley Meadow. Whilst watching them they both returned over five times in just two minutes. Both the male and female went into the box so this box appears it has been claimed and the chances of a nest in this box looks likely. With all the visits a few photos were taken.
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A Blue Tit inspecting one of the bird boxes in Netley Meadow |
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See you in March 2009.
Ben Kirby
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