We haven't got a picture of 7 gapes at full throttle yet, but this is a pretty good one of 6!
The chicks, who are quiet for once, can be seen to be growing down and primitive feathers. Every now and again, one will waggle its primitive wings. They hardly ever seem to be quiet like this. They twitch and wriggle all the time - not surprising, it's their only exercise.
No longer are they pink blobs, they are now almost black little birds.
Another example of Barney forcing himself past Fluffy as he comes out of the nest box.
A couple of interesting images of Fluffy coming to, and leaving, the nest box.
Both parents with their brood.
Six chicks are visible.
Fluffy removes another faecal sac.
Having looked at a number of used nests after the birds have flown, we are amazed at how clean the mother bird keeps the nest. Excreta is always removed and the number of bugs and creepy crawlies is pretty low.
Clearly hygiene is important!