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!