Last year we had a most unusual happening in Box2, namely that two females both laid eggs in the nest box and both females and the one male looked after the chicks when they hatched out. This year we have again been surprised to see that two females - at least we think it is two females - are taking an interest in this nest box. (And no, this is not an April fool!)
We start at about twenty past nine when a bluetit enters Box2.
Here she is inside the box.
Although she had settled down on the nest cup, she did not seem to be at ease there and she kept peering out of the nest box hole as though she was expecting something to happen.
Back on the nest cup again.
Another look out of the box.
Back on the nest cup again.
Here she must have heard another bird outside as she huddles down in the nest cup to keep out of the way.
True enough, another bird is on its way inside.
The two bluetits are face to face in the nest box, the original bird still in the nest cup and the newcomer facing her just a short distance away.
Notice that the newcomer's head feathers are rather untidy and look almost masculine - could this be the first bird's partner? If it is, he has not brought any food with him and he is not getting much of a welcome!
The newcomer seems to be threatening the original bluetit. Its beak is open and if we could hear what was going on I think it would be making hostile noises.
Suddenly the first bird has had enough and rapidly leaves.
Very rapidly!!
The newcomer immediately moves to occupy the nest cup ...
... and makes it clear that she is female by doing a nesting wriggle there.
A few second later, she gets out of the nest cup ...
... and leaves!
Off she goes.
So, either we have two females again in Box2 or the first bird was a male. However, the next sequence demonstrates that it is probable that this bird is a female too.