Our resident blue tit is raising four chicks on her own, as the male disappeared quite a long time ago and we do not believe he is around anymore. She was doing a great job, and the four chicks are at the stage where their cheeping is audible, they are almost fully feathered and they can get out of the cup of the nest to fidget around.
The female left the nest this morning and has not been back for at least an hour now, possibly over. The chicks look fine at the moment and are begging for food, but the mother never comes. Does anyone know if we should do something and if so, what? Please, thank you!
Mother birds will often "disappear" for a while but in nearly all cases she returns. They may even leave the nest overnight once the chicks are able to survive without her warmth.
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Thanks for the reply Galatas. We have been watchin the nest since 8 am this morning and have not seen her all day. Can the chicks survive without food all this time. I am worried for them. They are feathered to the point that you cn see the tiny wing feathers and still blind
Don't worry about them. Mum will come back when she feels it is necessary, and there is nothing you can do anyway.
Cheers, Linda.
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I've read the other post and thanks for this ...I am not sure how long Junior has been away for..the chicks are starving ..wee mites. You are right...there is nothing we can do except wait.
Sad news: all 4 chicks died through the night. It's very sad but then again it's nature isn't it.No sign of Junior either so we fear the worst for her too.
Oh I'm sorry Lil Wren, it does sound like like Junior came to a sticky end. What a shame, but as you say, that's nature.