This is a No Smoking nest: Blue tits set up home... in a pub ashtray
Last updated at 10:12 AM on 10th May 2011
A family of blue tits have made their home in an ashtray at a busy pub.
The intrepid little birds have made their nest in the wall-mounted slot next to the entrance at The Cottage in Thorpe St Andrew, near Norwich.
Big-hearted landlord Ian Perry has now put up a special notice telling customers not to stub out their cigarettes to protect the resourceful feathered occupants.
The proud publican said the bold blue tits had got punters talking.
Mr Perry said: 'It's lovely and has added to the pub's atmosphere. It gives the customers something to talk about, other than me!'
But he added: 'There are more fag ends to clear up, though.'
Amazingly blue tits have nested in the same ashtray for the last four or five years and the latest pair flew in a few weeks ago.
While the average life expectancy for blue tits is just 18 months, Mr Perry suspected the current guests were from the same family.
The hot sunny spell has given pub-goers the chance to enjoy a pint while watching the antics of the birds buzzing around the beer garden.
But Mr Perry stressed customers had been very good at making sure they did not disturb the blue tits.
The busy birds return to the nest every few minutes, taking with them food and bits of tree.
Do not disturb: Mr Perry said the bold blue tits had got punters talking and added to the atmosphere
Nestling in: The blue tits have nested in the same ashtray for the last four or five years and the latest pair flew in a few weeks ago
The ashtray has two holes for them to use and they always poke their heads out to make sure the coast is clear before flying out.
Delighted Caroline McGregor, 37, was enjoying a drink in the beer garden with her husband when she spotted the birds flying in and out of their temporary home.
Mrs McGregor said: 'I didn't spot the notice on the ash bin at first.
'What alerted me to the nest was the arrival of two blue tits, who took it in turns to dart in and out of the right-hand hole.
'They must be very devoted parents, judging by the amount of times they came in and out!'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1385464/Nestling-Blue-tits-set-home--pub-ashtray.html#ixzz1Lwuz5c4o
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