blue tit nesting

Blue Tit Nesting Calendar: When to Expect & Journal Tips (With Examples & Free Watercolour Illustration)

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If you’re lucky enough to have blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) visit your garden, you will know that these vibrant little birds are a delight to watch. From their striking blue and yellow plummage to their energetic behaviour, blue tits bring a burst of colour and liveliness to any outdoor space. But there’s one part of their life cycle that fascinates many birdwatchers and journal keepers: their nesting habits.

When do blue tits begin building their nests? How can you identify the right time to watch them create their homes? Let’s dive into the world of blue tit nesting and explore the best time to observe these endearing birds as they prepare for parenthood.

When Do Blue Tits Start Nesting?

Blue tit nesting typically begins in early spring, around March to April, but the exact timing can vary depending on environmental factors. These include temperature, food availability, and day length, which all play a role in signalling to the blue tit that it’s time to breed.

In areas with milder climates, blue tits may start looking for nesting sites earlier, while in colder regions, nesting may be delayed until conditions warm up a bit. If you’re hoping to spot blue tits building their nests, the best time to start looking is early spring when these birds begin their courtship and nest-building activities.

The Nesting Process: From Site Selection to Egg Laying

  1. March – Early April: Finding the Perfect Nesting Spot

Once the weather starts warming up, male blue tits begin searching for a suitable nesting site to impress potential mates. These birds are cavity-nesters, meaning they prefer to build their nests in sheltered spaces like tree hollows, abandoned woodpecker holes, or bird boxes. If you’ve got a bird box in your garden, this could become an ideal spot for a blue tit to call home.

The male blue tit will often scout multiple sites and, once he finds a good spot, he will start advertising the location with his energetic songs, hoping to attract a mate. Once a female blue tit arrives and is impressed by his efforts, the pair will begin the process of nest building.

  1. Mid to Late April: Building the Nest

Once the pair is established, the female takes the lead in building the nest. She typically constructs it in a cavity lined with soft materials like moss, feathers, and fur, which she may gather from the surrounding environment or even your garden. It’s fascinating to watch her as she carefully arranges these materials to create a cozy, insulated home for her future offspring.

At this stage, male blue tits continue to support the process by feeding the female while she works on the nest. Nest building usually takes about 1-2 weeks to complete, depending on the availability of materials.

  1. Late April to Early May: Egg Laying

Once the nest is ready, the female will begin laying eggs. Blue tits typically lay 6 to 12 eggs per clutch, with the eggs being white or pale blue in colour, speckled with darker spots. The female will lay one egg a day until the clutch is complete, after which she will begin incubating the eggs. The incubation period lasts for 12-14 days, during which time the female will stay in the nest, keeping the eggs warm and safe.

During this period, the male continues to help by bringing food to the female, ensuring that she has everything she needs while she stays in the nest.

  1. May: Hatchlings and Parental Care

Once the eggs hatch, the real excitement begins. The chicks are born blind and helpless, but the parents work tirelessly to feed them. The female blue tit is mainly responsible for brooding and caring for the young, while the male takes on the role of feeding the family by bringing insects and other protein-rich foods.

The chicks will stay in the nest for about 18-21 days, growing quickly and gaining strength. By late May or early June, they will be ready to leave the nest and begin their independent lives.

How to find Inspiration for Your Birding Journal

Watching blue tits build their nests is an incredibly rewarding experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Not only is it a chance to observe the natural world in action, but it also provides insight into the intricate and beautiful behaviour of these tiny birds.

Here’s how to find inspiration for your Birding Journal:

  • Learn About Their Behaviour: The process of nest building, courtship, and parental care is a captivating display of nature’s wonders. You’ll see firsthand how these birds select a mate, build a home, and care for their young.
  • Encourage Wildlife in Your Garden: Providing a safe nesting space, such as a well-placed bird box, can attract blue tits and other cavity-nesting birds to your garden. By observing them, you’re not just learning more about them—you’re helping to ensure their survival in your local environment.
  • Perfect Timing for Birdwatching: The early spring months are a fantastic time to watch blue tits, as they are active and easy to spot. As they work tirelessly to build their nests and raise their families, you can enjoy their antics while supporting their natural behaviours.


blue tit blue-tit nesting birdwatching journal birding bird watching log book
Stickers can serve as visual markers or dividers to break up sections of your journal Once youve added your stickers use your handwritten notes to complement them Write down your thoughts experiences or reflections Your handwriting brings a personal emotional layer to your journal


My hand painted watercolour illustration of a blue tit To download simply click on the image and a new tab will open with the high quality image file to download and print instantly

Tips for Perfecting Your Birding Journal

Use Visuals: Add sketches or photographs of the birds, nests, and behaviours you observe. This will enrich your journal and help with identification in the future.

Be Consistent: Make regular journal entries, ideally after each birding session. Consistency will give you a clearer picture of the entire nesting process.

Stay Patient and Observant: Sometimes, the most interesting bird behaviour happens when you least expect it. Take time to simply sit and watch, allowing the birds to become accustomed to your presence.

How to Attract Blue Tits to Your Garden

If you’d like to increase your chances of observing blue tit nesting, here are some tips for attracting these wonderful birds to your garden:

  1. Install a Bird Box: A well-designed bird box with an entrance hole around 25mm in diameter is perfect for blue tits. Mount it at least 1.5 meters off the ground in a sheltered, quiet spot. The box should face away from prevailing winds and be near trees or shrubs that offer cover.
  2. Provide Food: Blue tits are insectivores, so providing food like suet, mealworms, and fat balls can help attract them. You can also create a more bird-friendly environment by planting shrubs, trees, and flowers that attract insects, providing natural food sources for the blue tits.
  3. Offer Fresh Water: A clean, shallow bird bath will offer blue tits a safe place to drink and bathe. Birds need water to stay hydrated and maintain healthy feathers, especially during the busy nesting season.
  4. Keep the Area Quiet: Blue tits prefer a peaceful environment during nesting, so minimise disturbances near their nesting sites. Avoid loud noises or frequent visits to areas where the nest may be.

Conclusion

Tracking Blue Tit nesting seasons and keeping a detailed birding journal is a rewarding way to observe these charming birds in action. By recording the start of the nesting season, monitoring their behaviours, and documenting key events like egg-laying and chick-rearing, you’ll gain valuable insights into the life cycle of Blue Tits. Not only will your birding journal enhance your personal birdwatching experience, but it will also serve as a useful resource for future reference and for other bird enthusiasts who might be following the same birds.

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Sadie @ InsideMyNest
Hi 👋, I’m Sadie—wife to a super supportive husband (also my business partner) and busy mum of two young children (the biggest miracles of my life). Every illustration you see here has been hand-illustrated by me (with several hours spent on some of them… yes, think I’m still a bit old-school), and all images are original photos that I have taken myself or of my own handmade creations. But I’m no expert, or have had any specialised training—just someone who is learning and would like to share that learning journey with like-minded individuals who are on the same boat as me :)
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