For Simone Webber and Jen Smith the last few months have been particularly busy with the Chaddesley Woods National Nature Reserve field season in full swing. Prior to the onset of food supplementation on 7th March, a gruelling few weeks were spent tackling the challenges presented by grey squirrels that had spent the winter destroying a large proportion of the nest boxes - unfortunately squirrel damage has continued throughout the field season with squirrel populations seemingly high. Problematic squirrels aside, the field season has been successful with, once again, high nest box occupancy by both focal species (blue and great tits) and one nuthatch. Jen continued her research in what has been her final field season investigating the effects of supplementary feeding on reproductive behaviour of birds paying special attention to the collection of DNA samples to enable her to investigate paternity and brood sex ratio. Meanwhile Simone focused on investigating the effects of supplementary feeding on the energetics of reproduction using a number of exciting innovative techniques.
Both Jen and Simone have been rushed of their feet in a season where the breeding synchrony for both focal species was exceptionally high. Approximately 1800 chicks and the majority of breeding adults were ringed to allow individual recognition - a huge undertaking! As in previous years the project was lucky enough to receive the help of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust volunteers, led by the wood's warden Mervyn Needham. They assisted in the collection of caterpillars to help gain an understanding of natural food availability during the breeding season. In addition, volunteers conducted focal watches to investigate both incubation and brood provisioning behaviours. The supplementary feeding team are incredibly grateful to all those who volunteered. Jen and Simone say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to fieldwork efforts.
