Yesterday Adrienne Stratford, Jack Slattery and I replaced or installed a couple of new Chough nest-boxes in North Ceredigion. The first site, between Borth and Aberystwyth, which was used successfully in 2022 (rearing a brood of 4 chicks) was considerably the worse for wear with the top completely collapsed in. Not surprising though as I originally installed this with Mick Green back in the early 1990s! If it lasts anywhere near as long as the first one it certainly won't be me replacing it next time!
Unfortunately the local Peregrines have expensive tastes. No starlings or pigeons for them - Chough, Woodcock and Golden Plover seemed to be on the menu sadly - almost considered it personal! Annoyingly, whilst leaving enough evidence of the wildlife crime they had perpetrated the Peregrines removed any evidence of whom the victims might have been (no legs/no rings). Hopefully the unfortunate Chough concerned was a yearling and not one of the breeding pair 🤞
Chough nestbox installed at a new site near Aberystwyth where a pair had attempted to breed, unsuccessfully, in 2022. Hopefully the addition of a much more secure and sheltered nest location will ensure success in 2023 and beyond.
