The chicks are seen here politely asking for breakfast. Do they know what they will do today?
One chick ventures a wistful look outside.
The chicks, bathed in the growing sunlight, settle down again for a
quiet time with Mum. She looks wistful too.
The first chick goes. Two of its siblings watch, the other two seem to
not want to know. Maybe they are asleep.
A little later the remaining four stand to attention in the sunlight.
Then there were three... I don't know exactly when the second chick
left, but it was still in the box shortly before this shot was taken.
Chick number one had a two hour start on the others.
Chick number three is just about to go.
A few seconds later, the fourth chick says goodbye.
The last one ... all alone.
A bit later Mum returns to the box and spends a few minutes sitting on
the egg. She doesn't stay long though.
The camera has been running since. There have been no visits by
anything more than the occasional fly. The egg will have to stay there
until late December. Then we will clean out the box in readiness for next
years nesting activities.
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Mum seems to be spending a bit more time sitting with the chicks. Is this
because she is tired and is taking the opportunity for a short rest, or is
she spending quality time with the children?
There was a lot of wing flapping in the box today.
The chicks are getting ready for the great outdoors.