Bird to make special delivery to postbox

RESIDENTS in a rural area of Co Clare have been asked to be patient for a few weeks after a nesting bird took up residence in their local postbox in recent days.

The bird, believed to be a blue tit, moved in to the An Post box over the weekend and has already built a substantial nest.

The expectant mother is due to lay her eggs in the coming weeks so in the meantime, a conscientious postal worker has erected a makeshift sign warning locals of the presence of the lodger.

The postbox is in the townland of Ballycalla, Newmarket-on-Fergus, close to Shannon Airport.

Last year, another bird set up a nest in the same postbox. However, because locals were unaware of this, they continued to post their mail as normal. Unknown to them, the letters covered the nest and prevented the female gaining access to them. The bird eventually flew away, leaving the eggs.

Blue tits in particular are known to nest in holes in trees, walls and readily use other man-made objects to set up their temporary home.

In Ireland, birds are also known for nesting in postboxes and even in traffic lights at busy junctions.

The female produces almost her own weight in eggs — laying one egg a day for 12 days or so. Egg laying starts generally the last week of April while incubation begins after the last egg has been laid.

Clare-based Birdwatch Ireland spokesman John Murphy said: “Without having seen the bird, it is still probably safe to say this is a blue tit.

“They will nest anywhere. They will get into a hole in a building, gate post or wall but post boxes are definitely a favourite. I know there is a sticker on this postbox telling people there is a bird inside so I know the locals will be patient for the few weeks it takes for the mother to lay the eggs and for them to hatch. They will go away soon after that,” said Mr Murphy, a founder member of the Clare branch of Birdwatch.

“Not so many people would be so conscientious to be honest and many will just toss a nest out but its not for long.

“It takes about 12 to 14 days for the laying and a further 12 to 16 days for the hatching and the birds will take off. It’s only a short time and I would ask people to be patient for the few weeks this takes.”

One local man said: “Last year there was a bird in there as well but people didn’t know that and they put their post in as normal. The bird couldn’t get into her eggs and she took off and then a slug got in an ate the eggs.

“This time at least we know there is a bird in there and we’ll watch the box until the eggs have hatched.”

“It’s too dark in there but the children have been great and have been keeping a close eye on what’s happening and sure they are learning as well,” he said.