Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have again bred successfully on the patch rearing 2 young, male & female, which fledged last Sunday morning, 5th.
This year they nested in the same site as last year but after laying eggs the female went off, not being seen after 21st April. This left the male to incubate, brood and feed the young on his own.
The nest was checked periodically with a cavity camera, in conjunction with the BTO. 12/05 the male was incubating 5 eggs. 20/05 3 small young, eyes not open. 27/05 3 half grown young, eyes open 02/06 2 young, almost fully grown, 1 male & 1 female 06/06 nest cavity completely empty In view of there only being the one bird, and the poor weather after hatching, the male did very well to rear 2 young.
Last year with both parents in attendance 6 young fledged.
Studies are finding that there is an imbalance of sexes with more males than females and it seems that females are laying in one nest and then going off to try and find another mate leaving the first male on his own.
Fingers crossed for next year.
_________________ Regards,
Andy.
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