A few days ago we found a very young European Bee-Eater, when I say very young, it was still a nestling. The new feathers still had their “straw” coverings.
This was confusing as European Bee-Eaters nest in deep tunnels and the young shouldn’t be out of the nest.
The bird is now in the care of the guys at RIAS in Olhão (RIAS website) and if all goes well, we can visit to see the release.
However, the confusion has been resolved.
Unfortunately, one of the nests has been dug open. I don’t really know what has done this, possibly a Fox, Marten, Weasel or Polecat.
As you can tell, whatever did it hasn’t got very far and I suspect it caused the parents to abandon the nest leaving the babies to suffer. We did find another youngster near the nest but unfortunately it was too late for this one.
As sad as this seems, it is nature being nature and why many species of bird have large broods.
I’ll keep you updated with any developments of the rescued baby.