Freda didn't return at all yesterday, so we will have to consider her gone for whatever reason.
On the positive side, Fred worked hard all day bringing food to the chicks. Starting at just after 0600 and finishing just after 2000, and then to the amazement of everybody he settled down in the next box.
This is something usually only the female will do at night, but Fred is clearly a good parent.
He has already started feeding at 0520 this morning, so we'll see how the day pans out.
15:00 update.
Fred has been steadily backwards and forwards all day so far, and although he appears a bit bedraggled is doing a marvellous job.
The chicks eyes will soon be open, and they are starting to acquire a feather down to cover them. This will be a great help especially at night when it's cold. We can only see four chicks each time Fred arrives, but we'll try and have a good count over the weekend. Considering the circumstances it's going fairly well.
Fred's job over the next week or so will become more and more demanding, and we anticipate if he can keep up the pace that wings will start to flutter around 20th/21st May, and those who are left should leave the nest round about the May Bank holiday on 25th.
If we can get one to leave the nest safely this can be considered as a result.
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