From 9.30 until 10.38 we were not monitoring, I was trying to resolve some software problems. When we looked again at Fluffy's chicks, two had disappeared! Where could they have gone to? In all three previous broods, there has been 19 days between hatching and fledging. Today is day 16!
If one chick was missing, we would have suspected that the woodpecker had managed to grab an incautious chick - but two? Within one hour? Without leaving a mess of feathers inside the box? It does not seem possible.
By their behaviour, we had been thinking that this brood would fledge early - but 3 days early out of 19? Whichever way you look at it, it seems to be a puzzle. If anybody has any ideas, please let us know through the Feedback form.
Only 3 frightened chicks at 10.38.
Still three chicks at two o'clock. They haven't moved much!
Remember, Fluffy is now on her own. If the first two chicks have flown, she will now have to look after two chicks outside as well as the three chicks still in the box.
Here, she give them a good talking to.
Sometimes she doesn't bother to come fully into the nest box to feed the remaining chicks. She perches on the hole and get them to come to her!