Bluetit Nesting Box

We received an interesting video from our tenant Mike Davies this morning.

Here's a link and a little bit about what Mike said about the video...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNiKpHOb9qY 

" the 1st 2 + mins will give you some activity ...

I have been monotoring them since April 13th The female Blue Tit builds the nest all by herself with little or no help from the male, (typical) moss and strands of grass will be taken from garden lawns and formed into a cup.

you will know that the nest is complete and ready for laying when it is lined with soft feathers, fur or wool. Blue Tits can build a nest in a few days, but generally it takes them between one and two weeks.

I have had a peep at the nest and it is now complete, with white feathers  it's about 3" high and about 12/14" in circumference they can also have a gap between completing the nest and egg laying too.

especially if a period of bad weather follows nest completion, if they haven't started laying, they will delay until the weather improves. It's also worth noting that some birds will cover their eggs while the clutch is incomplete so at a glance it's not always obvious that there are eggs there.

2012  we could  here young in the box early April, this year due to the extreme cold weather the cycle has been delayed, they are waiting for the leaves to develop on the beach trees, as on the back of the leaf there will be caterpillars, grubs which make ideal meals for the ever hungry chicks having had the bird box 5 years, there was no activity for the 1st year,  birds are ever cautious, and since then they having produced 5 young each year, alas one young was dead in the nest, perhaps the weakest as is generally the case and again due to the very poor cold and wet summer conditions that prevailed during their first two few weeks I witnessed the 4 fledge and amazing sight, and have photographed and watched them develop over the year, we look forward to see what this season brings, it's quite amazing and exciting to see what goes on in their lives

I look forward to reporting future updates as and when it happens "

We'll look forward to seeing more! Thanks Mike!

A ‘blooming’ good day for Port Talbot residents

Ynys Lee tenants have been taking advantage of our gardening lessons!

Tenants living in Ynys Lee, Cwmavon have been putting their green fingers to the test to ensure their estate looks blooming lovely, thanks to free gardening lessons.

Estates Co-ordinator Chris McDonnell spent the day holding hanging basket and window box demonstrations for residents, which was also supported by Bryn and Cwmavon councillors Marian Lewis and Dave Whitelock.

It’s just one of a series of events at Ynys Lee. Some other recent events have included the opening of the newly refurbished nature trail and playground and a recycling road show.

Jayne Groenewald moved to Ynys Lee with her husband Conrad earlier this year. She said, “Coastal Housing really is a great landlord as they’re always organising events and it’s led to a real community feeling within the estate. The hanging baskets and window boxes are already going up and they’re really brightening up the place with a bit of colour. It’s blooming lovely!”

Janet Gange, one of our Housing Officers added, “It’s fantastic to see how the tenants are embracing the work we’ve carried out – whether it’s attending these sessions or using the newly refurbished playground. We’re in the process of submitting a planning application for a community shop on the estate, which will be run by residents and we’re very excited to see how that will further benefit the tenants and local community.” 

Coastal tenants Jayne & Conrad Groenewald with Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell

 

 

 

 

Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell demonstrates gardening techniques to the tenants of Ynys Lee and local councillors

Councillors Marian Lewis and Dave Whitelock with Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell