The blue tits nest each year in the bird box in the pergola.  In February and March they check out the site.  There has to be a clear run to the nest hole and high enough to be away from predators.

Then the birds have to get into shape by feeding on peanuts and other seeds that we put out in feeders near the kitchen door and quite close to the nest box.  Then the female repairs and lines the nest with moss and soft materials, perhaps even some stray wool from the Jacob sheep.  She has to lay nearly once a day until she has a clutch of about a dozen eggs on which to sit.  These hatch in May and will then need to fed almost non stop until they are ready to learn to fly and leave the nest box and their parents.  This could be as late as June or July.  Until then we will enjoy the sight of these busy little birds flying to an from the pergola.