Bluetit Diary    Apr 2016 (5)

 

 

Tuesday 12th April, 2016

Here is Spikey in Box2.

Suddenly, another bluetit appears at the entrance.  She isn't made welcome by Spikey!

This second female we have decided to call Bess.

Initially, Bess is put off but she is soon back and this time she ignores Spikey's protests . . .

 . . . and comes into the box.  Although Spikey isn't welcoming, she isn't fiercely defending her territory like she did last time either.  She still stays in the nest cup, merely turning her head and keeping up a verbal tirade.

Bess doesn't want to know and turns away . . .

 . . . throwing her load of hay down as she does so.

Mission accomplished (well part of it anyway) she starts to leave the nest box.  Spikey still doesn't act as one would expect a female to act when her territory has been invaded.  She just watches Bess go.

Finally, as Bess disappears through the nest box hole, Spikey decides its time for her to go too.

No hanging around to check that Bess isn't coming back.  Once Bess has gone, Spikey goes too.

There is little change at the end of the day - just a few more feathers perhaps - and it looks as though much of the hay the Bess brought in has been removed too.