In spite of our hopes, neither of the other two mature looking chicks showed any sign of interest in the outside world. After lunch a curious episode occurred that made us seriously question Babe's capabilities!
Babe has discovered the mealworms that Elizabeth has patiently been putting out for some while in the hope that the great tits would cotton on. So far, although the bluetits would readily come to the mealworm feeder on the dining room window, neither of the great tit parents would come for this food.
Here Scrap is first in the queue - but he doesn't get it down quickly enough for Babe!
She offers it elsewhere - but no sooner than the next chick grabs it, but she takes it back again!
Another try with Scrap again!
She repeatedly offers the mealworm to a different chick, but does not give it a chance to swallow this large item of food before she pulls it out of the chick's mouth.
She even starts to fly off with it rather than give the chicks the time they need.
Back again - and she tries Scrap again - only to take it away yet again.
Babe must have offered this or another mealworm about six times and in spite of the chicks enthusiasm, she was unsuccessful every time. She was just too impatient to see the mealworm disappear, and when it did not go straight away, removed it herself. Eventually she would fly off with it rather than give the chicks more time.
Better luck tomorrow!