Well, they are still here in the box at the start of today. Surely though, this must be the day they fledge? The weather is kind with plenty of sun and they all seem active and eager.
We shall see!
A quick head count here shows that none of the chicks has gone yet!
They all seem much more active and they are wandering all over the nest box floor - a sure sign from previous years that they are soon to fledge.
Surely they must go soon! The sun is streaming in through the nest box hole making photography difficult, but that must be an added inducement for them to fly away!
No that's not the first chick - it's Dad! (Or is it Mum?)
You can see it's a parent because of its white face - the chicks' faces are distinctly yellow!
Another visit from Dad. The parents are keeping up the rate of feeding to the end. At the moment there seems to be a feed every few minutes!
Still eight chicks here!
Another hour has passed - it is now half past 10 - and they seem to have decided on a sit down strike. "We're staying" seems to be what the chicks are saying now!
You can see the chicks' mood swing from "We're going NOW!" to "You'll never get us out of that hole!" quite clearly.
I wonder if it takes longer for a large family to leave the nest than a small one? Certainly the two great tits showed none of this dithering.
Another hour and a quarter has passed and a chick actually jumps up onto the exit hole to look outside. I think this is the first time that one has done this.
This must be a clear sign of imminent departure!
The view from the outside. Note the chick's yellow face feathers and generally fresh appearance!
Things are clearly getting serious! Both Kate and Ben are in the box with their chicks. I hope they are giving them a good talking to!
"I wonder what it's really like out there?" he must be thinking.
"Shall I?"
"Go on - go on!" roars the crowd!
The view picked up by the outside camera.
But no! It's all too difficult for the young chick. It runs for the shelter of the nest cup and the company of the other chicks.
Time for another pause for thought.
It is now nearly four o'clock and if they don't leave soon it will be too late for them to go today!
Keep your fingers crossed - I'm busy tomorrow!!