The day started innocently enough with a bluetit visiting Box2. He doesn't stay long before flying off again.
We thought we had seen it all - but three bluetits fighting in one of our nest boxes is a first for us!
Half an hour later a bluetit come to the entrance of Box2 ...
... and goes in.
She then does a nesting wriggle. It is only females than perform this manoeuvre so it must be a 'she'.
She then goes to the entrance ...
... and has a look out.
Suddenly another bird appears outside and lands on the entrance hole ...
... before going into the box.
It seems as though the bird inside is caught unawares as from what happens next, it is clear than the newcomer is not a visitor that is welcomed!
Straight away a fight starts.
Now it is not clear to me what sex the newcomer is. I think it is a male both because it appears sturdier with a thicker neck and shoulders, but also because of what happens later.
The original female is on the right and the newcomer is on the left.
The bird in the foreground with its back to us is the newcomer and it clearly looks like a male to me.
They spend about 10 seconds rolling about the floor of the box.
Suddenly, a third bird appears outside on the roof of the nest box.
Judging by its tail, this is not a disinterested observer.
The third bird flies down to the hole for a closer look.
Then, much to my surprise, it goes into the box!
This can't be a mistake - but which of the two fighters is this third bird supporting? I can't believe it's joining the fight for the hell of it!