It looks as though something nasty has happened in Box1. When we switched on this morning, this was the sight that greeted us - and so far today, there has been no sight of Gelda.
It looks as though something has disturbed the nesting material as well as the eggs - it all appears heaped up just inside the entrance hole.
Phil has frequently come to the box in search of Gelda, but he has never been inside. This has all been to no avail - there is still no sign of Gelda.
Over at Box3, the great tit pair is still checking the box out - but so far, that is all they appear to be doing.
One (or maybe both) of the great tits have been inside the box on several occasions.
Another visit to Box3.
This bird is definitely a female - let's hope it means that the pair is serious about using this box!
Back at Box1, Phil cannot understand what has happened to Gelda. For that matter, neither can we!
We could understand if Gelda had been caught by a predator, but what predator would also mess up the nest box? If she is still missing tomorrow, perhaps I shall take a look inside the box to see if I can see any clues there.
Poor old Phil - half an hour later he is still looking for Gelda.
Phil kept on coming back until the end of the day.
I cannot remember a sitting female disappearing like this before.
Even if Gelda miraculously reappeared now, the eggs will have probably got too cold to remain viable - after all, Gelda had been incubating them for several days and this will have started their development. I fear this clutch must be a write off.