The 4 chicks are now grown, and got their juvenile plumage. They will be starting to fly any moment now. They’ve been taking mini-flights onto the top of the nest box, and into the castellations of their turret, but haven’t yet gone outside. Parents are both keeping a very close eye on them. This afternoon a gull flew close to the nest – not normally a problem, but this time Mum didn’t hesitate – she flew down and chased it off. She’s being very protective of her fledglings at this critical time…
