I'm not a bird person, but have joined this group to share in what to me has been an amazing bird experience. Just outside my kitchen window in central Vancouver, since early May a couple of bushtits (identified by a birding friend) have woven their incredible pouch nest in some wild rosebushes. It's right up against the window. They don't seem fazed by our presence watching or by light and commotion inside. Perhaps they can't see in because of reflection. About 10 days ago, after some major rain, the whole bush leaned away from the window, moving the nest about 2 ft from the window. The entry hole was now parallel to the sky so that rain could just fall in. I climbed up a ladder and tied the bush back against the window. It mostly fixed the problem, but the hole was still somewhat exposed to the sky. Over the next few days the birds fixed it by adding material to the area of the hole. Just remarkable- masterbuilders.

I would say it's about 2 weeks since the nest was completed with a lot of activity by both birds, bringing lots of material. Now I don't see much of the birds. The male (I think) comes around once in a while and brings some material (?food) into the nest. Throughout the day there is shaking of the nest- clearly it's occupied. I wonder if the eggs have been laid and if these are movements of the mother or if the chicks have hatched.

Any info about what to look for at this point. How do the chicks make their exit? I have some pics and will upload once I have the chance to figure out how to do that.

Joey in Vancouver

Cool! I'm glad they were able to fix their nest.
One thing you could look for is their eye colour: The female will have yellow eyes and the male will have black eyes.
Bushtits usually lay 4-10 eggs and incubate them for 12-13 days. They stay in the nest for about 18 days after that. A pair sometimes has helpers that help to raise the chicks, and the whole family sleeps in the nest.

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Else Mikkelsen
Vancouver, B.C.