Blue Tit Chicks in the Nestbox

Well those 10 little eggs have now hatched out into Blue Tit chicks. We've only definitely counted 8 chicks but the camera is slightly off centre and their may be another two hidden. Also it's a bit crowded in the nest anyway and some chicks end up under the others.

When they were first hatched they were entirely without feathers and looked like little redskinned aliens. They're now fluffing up nicely and their feathers are growing well. The stronger chicks are taking turns to practice flapping their stumpy little wings when they manage to get to the top of the pile.

When they hear Mum or Dad approach they all start squawking loudly with their beaks open hoping to get fed. With lots of hungry mouths to feed the parents are returning every 2 or 3 minutes with food.

No doubt by next week some of the chicks will be getting ready to fledge. The school children with us at the moment are enjoying watching the live video footage from the nestbox in the laboratory when they are doing their stream study activity session. There is audio too so they get to hear the chicks cheeping as well. Unfortunately it's not easy to take good photos of a television image so these pictures don't do it justice. You have to be here!

DFSC Neighbours Open Day

 Yesterday we had an Open Day for our neighbours in Parkend. We had put invites into the letter boxes of over 165 houses in the village and had about 50 people come and take part. We started with an introduction and talk about what we do and then split into two groups to do a tour of the Centre Grounds and to discuss possible ideas for community use of our proposed classroom redevelopment (more about this in future Blog Posts)

 After that people were then keen to have a go at some of the activities for themselves. We had a keen queue for the Zip wire with children from aged 4 through to adults and a wheelchair user all going down.

 We use a slightly different system for wheelchair users whereby they are winched onto the zip wire and then pulled back up into the tree for lauch. Our wheelchair using zip wire enthusiast enjoyed himself so much he had 5 goes!

There was plenty for all to see while waiting a turn or even if they didn't participate themselves. Activities such as the Leap of Faith (Trapeze Jump) make great spectator sport. We were particularly impressed by one plucky 5 year old local girl who as well as reaching the top of the climbing tower was also our youngest ever participant to make it on to the Leap of Faith Platform and jump for the Trapeze Bar!

 We charged a nominal £1 a go and through this raised £33 for Parkend Primary School in the village to put towards buying something for their play equipment.

 As well as 'adventure activities' we also had children stream and pond dipping and looking at their catch under microscopes in the Lab. There was also a fair bit of interest in viewing the live camera feed from one of our nestboxes where a blue tit is presently sitting on 10 eggs. 

 We'll keep you posted how things develop with our blue tit family and how many chicks are raised.

All in all a very sucessful day and one that was hopefully very much enjoyed by our guests, some of whom although living in the village all their lives hadn't really realised what we do.

Royal Wedding Celebration Lunch

Well we didn't quite organise a street party but we did have a special Royal Wedding party lunch for our resident school group last week. Complete with bunting, table decorations, Royal Wedding Posters, Union Jack serviettes and party food. This was all Jane's idea - any excuse for a party. She did however decline when I asked her to lead on singing the national anthem! Much enjoyed by all staff and students.