Chicks!

 On Monday morning, 3rd. May, Mr. GT was seen exiting the box - we had never seen him inside before. Then Mrs. GT was seen holding a piece of shell, and when she moved we could see that there were 3 chicks hatched! So exciting!  

The weather outside was dreadful all day - high winds and driving rain. Mr. GT came regularly with food and during the day another egg hatched. The chicks were never left for long; Mrs. GT seemed to find it harder to get comfortable and fidgeted more than ever. We saw her searching in the bottom of the nest for pieces of eggshell, all of which she ate.

Today the last egg has gone, presumably hatched, and I think I can see 5 chicks but have not seen all the beaks open at once yet. Both parents are feeding the chicks and taking it in turns to sit on them. 

Sometimes when Mrs. is sitting, Mr. comes in with food and gives it to her and she then gives it to a chick.

The food is often the little green caterpillars from the oak trees.