7th June 2005

The last chick has finally left the nest. After much practice wing flapping, it decided to follow its parents into the outside world. I was at work at the time. When I arrived home at about 1pm, I was surprised to discover it on the ground just below the bird box where it was being fed by its parents. This was quite worrying as it could have been easy prey to cats.

I was unsure what to do, but chose to just monitor the situation. By about 5pm the young bird was able to fly up into some low bushes where it seemed safer. It did not appear to be as well developed as its brothers and sisters and I wonder if it will have the same chances of survival that they did. I have not seen this chick or any others since. Perhaps they have visited me, but I am unable to recognize them as adult birds. Perhaps one of them, or their parents will choose to nest in my garden next year.

Thanks to all of you who have followed the progress of these little birds. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have, and will visit me again next year. Special thanks to those of you who have sent me emails of encouragement. It has been touching to read such kind words. I am very pleased you have found my website interesting.

I now have a bird box with an empty nest. I have already disconnected the camera to clean it. The lense was very dirty, this must have accounted for the rather washed out images produced towards the end. I would like to re-use this camera to capture images of birds that come to my feeders. All I need now is a waterproof enclosure.

Thanks again everyone.

Cheers Geoff.