Blue Tits Ashtray Nest

Blue tits take up residence in ashtray

blue tit on ashtray
The parents are kept busy flying to and from their makeshift home to feed their young Photo: ITV Westcountry

Staff at the Royal Oak in Nadderwater near Exeter were astonished to discover that the ashtray they put up for their smoking customers has become home to a family of blue tits. They were even more surprised to learn that the dirty box proved to be an ideal starter home. Seven fledglings are happily cooped up inside.

It was kind of a surprise to be honest. I was joking about using the eggs in my pizza or pasta but then I took a look at them and it just melted me down"

– Antonio Pucci, Chef
baby blue tits
The young blue tits don't look any the worse for their smoky surroundings Credit: ITV Westcountry

The landlady is also surprised that the pair chose a dirty ashtray over the many trees and hedgerows around the pub.

We have got other nesting boxes but they seem to prefer this. I think the squirrel's taken one of the other nesting boxes. But they're safe and it's out of harm's way so it's good.

– Tracey Baird, Landlady
gv of Royal Oak, Nadderwater
The staff at the Royal Oak are making sure their unexpected visitors are not disturbed Credit: ITV Westcountry

It may be cramped but the youngsters will soon be flying the nest. The challenge will come next year. Birds often like to return to the same nesting site and the blue tits may want to reclaim their unlikely home.