Jump and fly

Many schools put up nest boxes around their school grounds in the hope they will be inhabited by the next generation of feathered friends. What many don't appreciate are the factors needed to help this to happen, positioning out of direct sunlight, size of hole for the right birds to enter, camouflage to deter predators being some of the most basic requirements.

Admiring the broad bean crop

Over the spring months the activity going on in a nest box positioned on the side of one of our classrooms has created a buzz of excitement.

The greatest moment had to be seeing the last newly fledged great tit huddled on the concrete path below the nest box. Ignored by passing families,  one of the parents was close by chirping with encouragement; our baby great tit replying with a higher pitch chirp back. Apparently this encouragement was enough for the fledgling to flap its wings and head for the broad beans for a breather.

Safe in the chalk heart

After a brief pause to get its breath back the fledgling great tit hopped out and flew up onto the wall, heading straight for the chalk heart that had been drawn on the wall of class 3N.
Time for another look around and then off into the trees.  We wish the great tit chick all the best and hope to see it next year.

This had been a most magical experience.