Our first nesting birds

After the passing of our very last cat a few months ago a couple of Robins decided to move in to a nesting box we had attached to our fence. Positioned right in front of our conservatory it gave us a 'birds eye view' of the whole process. I looked on the RSPB website for Robin breeding info and found it fascinating as we watched the building process through to the eventual laying of 4 eggs. Christened Tot and Ham our two new friends sat in all weather on the eggs. During that really dreadful wet week I was so worried about the amount of water soaking into the nesting box that I took a risk and when Ham had gone out for a break I placed  a piece of wood over the top to take away some of the excess water and prevent them from getting soaked and cold. Didnt think all four eggs would hatch but they have and we have watched the constant relentless trips back and forth feeding and 'nappy changing' . They dont mind us looking as long as we stay a reasonable distance away and we have finally managed to get some great pics. What a priveledge to be able to watch this. 

Hi Tomfoolery welcome to the forum.

That is brilliant news especially with so many perishing in the cold wet weather..

Great photos and as you say a priveledge to be trusted like that and to sit and watch them develop.

Thanks for the welcome I am looking forward to joining in the community blogs. Jean

Jump right in Jean most of the forum members don't bite.

We love to see peoples photos so post away with any you have.

edit..also look at the first thread on the community homepage it is a forum map, it may help you find your way around.

lovely photos; an after seeing many nests in exposed places, and in open fronted nestboxes-never seen one nest in a hole type box before- the robins have made a smart choice of nest site

welcome nice photos and nice to see. Like doggie says just jump in and add to the posts  and look around it is very varied in here...

Hi Tomfoolery,

Well done to protect the nest from soaking.

I see also you have a lovely fig tree growing beside the nest box.

Hi Jean, a welcome from me too.  What a lovely nest and fantastic that all four chicks have hatched.  You will really enjoy watching them develop.

Keep posting and you will soon recognise all the names and feel part of the forum.

Thanks everyone. The figs will be in leaf very soon I hope to give them some cover. I may need some tips to help them survive learning to fly as there's not much of a launch pad on the front of that nesting box!