Many thanks to Françoise Vareille for this wonderful observation.
 
The text was written by Nicole Bouglouan, according to the notes and information provided by Françoise Vareille.

All pictures on this page are owned by Françoise Vareille.

These images and the text are subject to copyright and cannot be used without express authorization from the owners. Legal issues

 

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Reproduction of the Great Tit in the garden
(Parus major)

March - April - May - June - July 2019

 

Some gardens are true paradises for birds. Françoise's garden is a fantastic place where a lot of things are happening ...
Since several years, the Hoopoes are nesting in an old cask located in the field behind the house.
See the reports:
Reproduction of the Eurasian Hoopoe 2016 
And also:
Reproduction of the Eurasian Hoopoe 2017 

Another smaller cask is not far from the first. But an old stove and an old rusty watering can also represent interesting places to build a nest.
This year, in addition to hoopoes that have returned once again in their cask, Great Tits have been very attracted by these strange but very practical objects to raise their young.

The first discovery took place on March 2, when Françoise was surprised to find a nest in the small wooden cask, just made with green moss and white hairs. But as nothing was happening, she did not return.
But on April 7, a natural curiosity led her back to the cask, and another surprise awaited her. The nest had been completed and the result was very pretty. On a thick layer of moss, tufts of white animal hair and pink wool added an artistic touch to the construction of this jewel box!
A few days later, on April 10, some eggs were present, well buried in the thickness of the materials. And on April 14, there were seven eggs.
But later in the same day of the 14th, a certain disorder reigned in the nest. The materials were scraped off and the eggs were moved. All this mess indicated that a predator had passed by. The entrance hole was five centimeters wide, it could be a small rodent, a snake or another bird. The mystery will remain whole.
However, the next day, April 15th, the nest seems to have been put back in order but there are only six eggs left. The predator took away one. But on the 16th, when Françoise comes to the news, a broken egg makes her understand that this brood will not see the light of day. The nest had been abandoned.
A few days later, on April 23, she decides to clean the cask. It had rained a lot and everything was soaked inside. She therefore empties the barrel of its contents, very important for birds so small. It was really a cozy nest! What a pity!

However, while this sad story followed its course, a new event was progressing a little further in the garden ...
Having seen Great Tits move around the old stove, Francoise wanted to know what was happening, with just reason. On April 12, another nest was at the bottom of the stove, less beautiful and dirtier than the previous one, but at least it was inhabited!
There was a first egg laid in moss, dry grass, animal hair and wool. On April 13, two eggs were visible. It was on this day that the tit was seen collecting materials, here black hairs or wool.
On April 14, there were three eggs and finally, 8 eggs were in the nest on April 19. The rhythm was therefore one egg a day. The eggs were white with small reddish brown spots. A few hours later, the female was incubating quietly.
A few days later, on April 27, the nest contained 11 eggs, regularly incubated by the female.
Births should not be delayed now. It's up to us to be patient!

BUT ... a few movements around the beautiful rusty watering can alerted Francoise. And on May 4, a surprise awaited her: a pretty nest was at the bottom! A second pair of Great Tits had taken up residence here.

The nest was very similar to the first, the "pink nest" which was in the small cask. It was very pretty and clean, with white hairs and the famous pink wool. Probably the occupants of the destroyed nest!
We know that many species produce one or more replacement broods when one of them is lost for any reason. This is a wonderful illustration of this behaviour.
The female was incubating on May 4, about 18 days after the first nest was destroyed.
Now, it only remains to wait!

On May 7, the female is still incubating, well wrapped up in wool and hair. Impassive, she waits.
On May 7, there is apparently no birth yet. A ray of sunshine gently caresses the 7 eggs in the warm haven of white hairs and pink wool. The clutch includes 7 eggs, as in the first pink nest. Patience…
On May 8, taking advantage of the absence of the female, we can see the white eggs with russet spots, carefully wrapped in hair at the bottom of the cup of the nest. It is really a beautiful brood.
After a brief visit to keep an eye on the two nests, nothing new to report on May 9. Both sites are occupied and each female incubates. Here in the stove, all is quiet.

May 10

Old stove

But on May 10, four pink, naked chicks were born in the old stove. They have a thin tuft of grey down on the head and are moving in the warmth of the nest. One thing is certain: they are hungry! The wide open beak testifies, clearly visible for the adult that will bring food. Let's wait for more ...
The next day, May 11th, the births continue in the stove. There are now seven or eight chicks moving at the bottom of the nest. Parents will have to activate!

May 11

Old stove

But in the watering can, the births also begin on May 10. There are now four pink little things fluttering in the nest.

May 10

Watering can

It is interesting to mention that the births occurred at almost the same time in both nests, indicating that the pair that was nesting in the cask and was disturbed at the beginning of the season produced a replacement brood in the watering can very quickly after the first nest failure.

On May 12, we can see nine chicks on the eleven eggs laid in the old stove and counted on April 27.

May 12

Old stove

In the watering can, we can see today May 12, six chicks on the seven eggs counted on May 7. Both nests are really cozy!

May 12

Watering can

Today, May 13, around the old stove, the adults feed the young without stopping. The chicks are spoiled: green caterpillars are the best for them! Here the female, with narrow, black stripe on the underparts. She is eagerly awaited!

May 13

Old stove

May 14, everything is fine in the watering can. The chicks sleep between two green caterpillars, some even with the beak open, in case an adult would pass by!

May 14

Watering can

The same day in the stove, the little ones rest or wait for adults.

May 14

Old stove

In the picture below, we notice that the feather rachis are already visible on the wings. They grow up very well!

May 14

Old stove (detail)

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Typical call of this bird

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Another call

On May 15, things are going smoothly in the old stove. The feathers grow fast and the chicks are doing well, proof that food abounds in the surroundings.

May 15

Old stove

On May 16th, the chicks of the watering also show their growing feathers. The hungry little one opens widely his bright yellow bill to direct the adult if necessary.

May 16

Watering can

On the two pictures above, it is interesting to note the bright colour of the open bill, ready to receive the food! This bright colour is intended to help the adult to gain time while searching for the bill to feed.
If these two nests are sufficiently enlightened, many others are often in the dark, hence the interest of these colours clearly visible.

Tirelessly, adults come and go, wearing these famous green caterpillars so much appreciated by the chicks. Here the female is still working, but the male is certainly not far away.

Finally, at the end of the day, a little rest is welcome!!! The adult spends the night with the chicks to protect and guard them.

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May 16

Old stove

It is the same in the watering can, but there, the adult still broods the chicks. It is true that they are less numerous than in the stove!

May 16

Watering can

We notice that the feathers grow really fast. It’s fantastic!

May 16

Old stove

May 18, everything is fine. In the watering can, we notice that an unhatched egg is visible at the bottom right. This happens frequently. The chicks are doing well and become more and more rounded day by day, while the feathers are growing fast !

EGG

May 18

Watering can

In the old stove, the adult broods the little ones. Their reflexes work well because they open the beak even when the photographer comes to see them!

What is certain is that the parents take care of them very well and the food abounds in this garden. Both nests are progressing well and favorably.

May 18

Old stove

May 18

Old stove

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It is also interesting to note certain uniformity in each nest, especially in terms of colour.
If the nest of the stove is rather sober, with a lot of white hairs and little colored wool, that of the watering can on the other hand is a work of art! The pink wool balls rub shoulders with small packets of white wool to form a real impressionist painting by juxtaposing touches of colour on the green background made by the moss. On May 17th, a thin pink string came to complete the ensemble.

Each nest is regularly cleaned and arranged, and the whole remains beautiful to see despite the comings and goings of adults and the activity that has reigned in recent days.

A small experiment is underway in the garden ... Pieces of wool of different colours, including white and pink, have been made available at an equal distance from both nests. We’ll see…
Today May 19, in the stove, everyone sleeps. We can already see some yellow feathers under the bill of the chick on the left of the image. Another week and this entire little world will be ready to leave…

May 19

Old stove

Yellow feathers
May 21, the chicks have changed! The feathers seem to grow faster and faster. The head is covered and the wings are doing well. They will fly away soon ...

May 21

Watering can

May 21

Old stove

The adult (here the female) hunts for news prey. The green caterpillars are now replaced by others, larger and probably more nutritious. What a delight !!!

Today, May 22, it's a great day! In the old stove, a first chick left the cup of the nest and begins to move to the bottom of the stove.

During the day, others come to join him in a corner. We can see the youngest, not yet feathered like the others, but alive for the moment. Hope that adults will help him now that it is more accessible!

May 22

Old stove

May 22

Old stove

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Two news today May 23, a good and a bad one.
Let's start with the bad to finish on a good impression with the good one !

In the nest of the stove, the chick that had moved away from the group the day before died. As he was drawing a lot of ants into the nest, Françoise removed it. The female returned to feed the remaining chicks without any particular reaction. This type of event often happens, unfortunately. But Nature is so. The strongest are left.

May 23

A chick is dead

The good news is that the last born of the stove, still almost naked yesterday, begins to cover with feathers just 24 hours later! It's pretty good sign.

May 23

Old stove

And finally the male ends up showing himself near the watering can. It will normally take care of the brood when the chicks will leave the nest, while the female will lay a new brood. Time flies !

May 23

Male near the watering can

On May 24, everything is quiet in the watering can. The chicks are huddled against each other and are still regularly brooded by the female. They appear to be healthy.

May 24

Old stove

On the other hand, in the old stove, some chicks start to move. The eyes are open and the plumage intensifies day by day. They are very beautiful and will not be long in coming out.

May 24

Watering can

The smallest even came out of the cozy cocoon to join others. The feathers grow but it will take a little more time.

May 24

Old stove

Unfortunately, in the morning of May 25, when Françoise visits the nests, she notices that Nature has done her work ... The youngest of the stove is dead. Probably too weak to access food because "crushed" by his brothers and sisters, he did not receive enough prey to survive and fly away. Let's hope that the others will be able to leave very quickly and without much difficulty.

May 25

Old stove

Dead chick
On May 26, there are three chicks in the watering can. They are fully feathered and their eyes are open. They are ready to go! The advantage of smaller broods (there were only seven eggs against eleven in the stove) allows parents to feed the young more often and better.

May 26

Watering can

But on May 27, a picture shows us that actually, four chicks are in the watering can. It rains a lot outside, and they will probably not come out until the weather has calmed down.

The adult who feeds them is soaked and exhausted, but he always hunts to prepare them for the big departure.

May 27

Watering can

In the old stove, the chicks are well awake and their eyes are brighter than yesterday. Tirelessly, the parents feed them in both nests.

May 27

Old stove

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But on May 28, the hecatomb continues in the stove where another chick was found dead this morning. Will the two remaining survive? Is it the result of an invasion of parasites (ants were seen this week), is it a predator or the heat that reigns in the stove or on the contrary the cold and humidity, a disease ... Does the rust present on the walls play a role??? The brood still had 11 eggs at the start.

May 28

Old stove

Dead chick

On the other hand, in the watering can, the four small ones are superb. Hope they will hold until the end!

May 28

Watering can

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On the morning of May 29, the two chicks of the stove are alive ! Even while being warm under the wool, there is a shining eye. Hopefully everything will be fine for the last two of this large brood.

May 29

Old stove

And in the watering can, it seems that the air of the garden begins to smell good !!! A small tit looks fiercely to the exit, standing a little along the wall. Like a little desire to go elsewhere?

May 29

Watering can

And finally on May 29, first exit from the stove! It is cute and full of life. Both juveniles are in the garden. Good luck! Nature is so beautiful !

The first contact is on the ground, but in the grass for more softness.

May 29

Juvenile's calls
May 29
Then, we explore the nearby trees. There is so much to discover!
May 29
Short pose in front of the delighted photographer who attends our flight !
May 29

On the morning of the 30th, the nest of the watering can was found empty too. This entire little world flew into this heavenly garden under the protection of adults for some time.

Wish them good luck ! The first days are difficult, but spring is here with its lot of insects. They will not miss any food.

May 30

Watering can

Conclusion of this observation:
This observation has confirmed some things, such as the replacement of a brood in case of loss of the first. In the watering can, a second egg laying of 7 eggs was deposited and 4 juveniles flew on May 29, 19 days after the first births of May 10, and 17 days after the last of May 17.
The nest has been cleaned since there is no trace of the dead chicks. The materials were arranged throughout the nesting period. The chicks grew well and very regularly, confirming, if necessary, that smaller clutches were more likely to survive than the others.

In the stove, the first egg was found on April 12, there were 3 on the 14th, and on April 19, 8 eggs were visible. Finally, we could count 11 eggs on April 27th. Births take place on May 10th and 11th. The parents feed tirelessly the chicks with green caterpillars at first, and then the prey becomes more varied as the young are growing.
Unfortunately, there were dead chicks in this nest. Too large brood, parasites, disease, problem with rust very present on the walls of the stove ... The debate remains open at this stage.
A first dead chick was removed from the nest because it attracted the ants. The last dead chick was removed yesterday, after the flight of the two remaining chicks. The other corpses were cleaned by the adults, which did not have to be easy if we compare the size of the parents to those of the young people!

For information, in the stove, the cup is 4 to 6 centimetres deep for a diameter of 8 centimetres. The chicks were literally "piled up" on each other, and that may have prevented parents from feeding everyone properly. Those who were at the bottom probably did not get back in time to receive the food.

But the result is honorable, with 6 fledglings in the wild for 18 eggs in all for both nests. With all the dangers that threaten our birds today, a third of success is already a good result!

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A good surprise awaited Françoise after the flight of young tits ... Four days later, on June 3, there was already an egg in the watering can. And on June 4th, three eggs are visible in a similar but clean and welcoming nest.

It would seem that the same couple is putting another brood on the way. This is probably a well-established couple and relatively young adults.

The male will take care of the juveniles for a few days, while the female starts this brood which will end around late June / early July.

The chicks of this brood, however, will have more trouble feeding afterwards, because of the dominance of previous juveniles. But in this beautiful garden, prey are not lacking. Let's hope that everything goes well for them!

June 3

Watering can

1 egg

June 4

Watering can

3 eggs

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On June 7, seven eggs have been laid and are regularly incubated by the female. We can see that the nest has duller colors than the previous one, but it seems warm and comfortable, so that this second brood comes to the end successfully.

June 10

Watering can

7 eggs

June 10

Watering can

7 eggs

One thing, however, is surprising. If we look at the dates of laying, here is what emerges:
3/06: 1 egg
4/06: 3 eggs
5/06: 5 eggs
6/06: 6 eggs
7/06: 6 or 7 eggs

There would have been 2 eggs deposited on the 4th but also on June 5th, which is not quite the norm, knowing that it takes up to 24 hours for the egg to form. The female usually lays her egg early in the morning before flying away, and the next egg is formed only at the end of the following night to be laid at the first light of day.
It happened two days in a row... Let's wait for more! The female incubates regularly and for the moment everything seems normal.

 

June 17, everything is calm. No birth at the moment. An egg darker than others intrigues us a little, but the future will tell us what it is!

June 4

Watering can

5 eggs

June 6

Watering can

6 eggs

June 7

Watering can

6 or 7 eggs

June 9

Watering can

7 eggs

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June 17

Watering can

Surprise on June 19th! Three chicks are born. The darker egg has not yet hatched. We have to wait.

June 19

Watering can

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And on the 20th, we can see five chicks naked and blind at the bottom of the nest. There are still two unhatched eggs. A nice result for a second brood! We also find that the nest is cleaned regularly because no eggshell is visible.

June 20

Watering can

On June 22, we can see five chicks. According to the photographer, the darker coloured egg (that is not always apparent) has not hatched. There is still one egg under the little ones, but it will probably not give anything now. So, five youngsters for a laying of seven eggs in second brood, it is already a beautiful result !

June 22

Watering can

An egg is visible

On the morning of June 25, five chicks sleep soundly with the beak open, probably because of the intense heat. No trace of the two remaining eggs. The feather tubes are already appearing! Everything seems to be fine.

June 25

Watering can

On the morning of June 26, two chicks came out of the cup of the nest because of the heat. An intact egg had been seen in the middle of the little ones and the wool that lines the structure. But it is probably too late for a new hatching.
The feathers grow fast now. The chicks are beautiful !

June 26

Watering can

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Early in the morning of June 27, the chicks probably suffer from the heat wave that rages over the country and the air must be rare in the watering can. They come out from time to time from the bottom of the nest to have less heat and sleep with the beak open.

Today, no more eggs are visible and the five young ones are all at the same stage of growth. The feathers are growing well, but it will take another week before they fledge.

June 27

Watering can

On June 28, the five little ones are still alive despite the intense heat of the day before! Parents must feed them properly so that they do not dehydrate.

June 28

Watering can

On July 1st we can see (with difficulty) always five chicks. Despite the heat, they stay literally piled on top of each other. Their eyes are open and the feathers grow incredibly fast. They will soon fly away, probably towards the end of the week.

July 1st

Watering can

There are always five chicks on July 3 in the morning.

July 3

Watering can

But for one of them, the smell of this beautiful garden has an undisguised attraction.

July 3

Watering can

And if in addition, an adult could give it some food, it would be better for the flight that will come soon.

July 3

Watering can

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On the 5th of July at midday, we still have five chicks crowded in the nest, except the one who seems to be isolating itself from the others, probably the firstborn.

The bad weather of the last two days, with wind, storm and hail probably did not help to cause the exit of the nest which seems imminent.

July 5

Watering can

Morning

Late afternoon that same day, July 5, another tit moves away from the cozy cocoon. Their plumage is perfect and complete. The flight will be easy.
Will they still be here tomorrow ?

July 5

Watering can

Late afternoon

But yes ! On the 6th of July at the end of the morning, all the chicks are yet in the nest. Françoise nevertheless found that the cup of the nest was in great disorder, a sign that the chicks are moving a lot and are about to fly away.

July 6

Watering can

End of the morning

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Surprise! On the evening of July 7, our chicks are still there!
It will be a month tomorrow that the last egg has been laid. They take their time and are pampered by adults!

July 7

Watering can

Late afternoon

And here's the result... in the morning of July 8, Françoise can only note the departure of the five young tits. They stayed one month at the nest and left in good health and with complete plumage.
It is not uncommon for chicks of second broods to be fed longer by adults, even when fledged. The parents are not in a hurry to start the next clutch, as this species usually produces two broods per season. If we also consider the first brood disturbed and abandoned, this couple has fulfilled its mission!
Hope that everything will be fine for these juveniles and wish them good luck!

Another big thank you to Françoise for the quality of the information, the diversity of the images and the regular follow-up of this extraordinary observation.

July 8

Watering can

Everybody is gone !

CLEANING THE PLACES

Around mid-August, Françoise cleaned the sites chosen by the Great Tits to nest, and here is what was found:

In the nest placed in the old stove, a pile of various materials was removed, including vegetation, mainly moss, dry grass and pieces of dead leaves, to which was added wool, down and animal hair found nearby. Everything was well packed at the bottom of the old stove but the central cup is still visible. On the other hand, no trace of dead chicks. So, the bodies were removed by the adults or the remains eventually crumbled and lost in the nest materials.

Old stove

Mid-August 2019

In the watering can, the nest was more flattened, but the chicks stayed there practically a full month. Same composition as before, perhaps with more wool and hair that keep the heat, but most importantly, the missing egg was well hidden in the moss. He broke during the cleaning, proof that the shell had lost thickness, and even if the container was still fluid, it was obvious that it had not been fertilized. The adult incubator was not able to remove it, which is understandable. Buried in the moss, it did not interfere with the chicks in their growth.

Here is a busy and definitely closed season, after some adventures that are part of the reproduction of many species.

Watering can

Mid-August 2019