Bumper Nest box Year

This time last year I was writing about a very successful year for the Blue and Great Tits in the nest boxes at Linacre (see here). I'm very pleased, therefore, to be writing a very similar report again this year.

The first sign of activity in the tit boxes this year came on 15th April, when 2 eggs were found in one of the boxes. This was much earlier than last year, due to the mild conditions. We (Sorby Breck Ringing Group), continued to monitor the boxes over the next few weeks, and by the end of the season, we had recorded and ringed a new highest ever total of 232 pulli.

As last year, all the nesting attempts came from just 2 species; Blue and Great Tits. Great Tits managed to raise 11 broods, and a total of 72 pulli, while Blue Tits raised 19 broods of 160 pulli.

Again, like last year, all the nesting attempts, including a few failures at egg and young stage, will be reported to the BTO as part of their Nest Record Scheme.