Chicks are preening

A few days ago when the chicks opened their eyes for the first time, they also started preening. It almost looked like they became self-aware from the moment that they could see themselves. But perhaps it simply has to do with the development of their feathers.

Today I saw a lot of preening and even some wing flapping. The short clip below shows one chick preening and streching his wings. Amazing how fast they have developed! It really looks like a little blue tit now.

Preening, 13 may 2014 5:39pm

In case you are wondering where the other two chicks are: they are hidden underneath the nest material at the bottom of the screen.

Btw: the woodpecker returned several times today and looked into the box but unlike yesterday it didn't make any serious efforts to get into the nest. I'm not sure if he simply thinks drilling a hole is too much effort or that he wants to come back once the chicks are bigger!