Birdbox Battle Vol 2

We had a pair of Blue Tits building a nest in BirdBox 3, but they were usurped by Tree Sparrows.

5 April 2012 - Tree Sparrows

6 April 2012 - Tree Sparrows

When I thought the Blue Tits were still in contention, I fitted a small entrance plate to keep the rivals out (31 March). You can see the earlier work from the Blue Tits again here:

26 March 2012 - empty

27 March 2012 - bits & pieces

31 March 2012 - moss

However, the sparrows just camped at the entrance (seemingly puzzled why they didn't fit anymore). This continued for about week until I relented and replaced the entrance plate with a 32mm one (4 April) and left them to it over the long Easter weekend. The sparrows took possession and began nest building (the photos above). Here are a couple of snapshots:

2 April 2012 - disputed territory

12 April 2012 - busy sparrows

14 April 2012 - tidier tits?

Surprisingly in the last few days, the sparrows haven't been active - I've seen Great Tits inspecting the nest, and today (14 April) the Blue Tits had a look inside:

Will the Blue Tits return?

Update:

The blue tits have settled back in, have tried out bird box 1 during their exile.