Arrived home from work yesterday
to find that the blue tits had become proud parents of four chicks. Looking
very much naked of feathers they looked quite vulnerable, it appeared to take
all of their energy just to lift their heads up and to open their beaks for
food. This appears to then be followed by a general collapse back into the
nest, to then summon enough energy for the next round of food. Mum was quite
busy toing and frowing with food and after a short while decided to take a
breather at the nest, where she promptly sat on the chicks. That surely can’t
be comfortable for either party.
At some point overnight another
couple of chicks had hatched and another busy day commenced in keeping the
little ones fed. Thankfully this task was undertaken by both parents as they flitted
in and out of the hedgerow in search of bugs and the like. Not once did they
pay a visit to the bird feeder, not even to stock up on food for themselves.
At some point during today
another egg has hatched bringing the number of chicks to seven. It looks like
tomorrow is going to be another busy day, but what I can’t understand is, what
happens to the eggshell once the chicks have hatched?
