There is a spot underneath our deck where a robin built her nest and now there are three freshly hatched baby birds in it. Well, this Thursday, the 31st, the deck builders are coming to demo our existing deck and rebuild a new one. Is there anything I can do to save this nest and these birds??!! We've already had to push back the start date once because we were away and we can't do it again. I don't know what I should do. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
Thanks for all the advice ladies! S.H. thank you so much for those links, I will definitely call one or more of them today! I'll let you know what happens!
The only thing you can do is push back the start date which you already said you can't. Other than that call wildlife rescue. I doubt they will do anything since it is not endangered but maybe it will be a slow week and they can help.
I don't know about robins but I have a bunch of birds. Make sure the robin sees where you are putting the nest and try relocating it. She will probably go to it. It's usually not true that once you have handled something birds won't go near it.
Well, if you cannot delay the demo--use some gloves and gently move the nest to a VERY nearby safer spot. We did this recently and I think the mom found the nest (had eggs in it) from a tree we were removing for our pool construction.
Good luck!
You only really have two options: Move the start date back or move the nest.
Birds don't have a sense of smell so if you do move the nest you don't have to worry about wearing gloves. Mammals don't return to their young if you handle them, but that's not true with birds.
If I were you, I guess I'd move the nest to a bush or something where the mom can see it. Don't put it up high because you'll never be able to anchor it like the mom did.
If you move the nest, MAKE SURE you wear gloves. Rub the gloves with dirt. leaves, etc. to mask the human scent... If the nest or babies have a human scent, the momma bird will abandon it.
J., I'm sorry you have this problem. I have a nest outside my bedroom window on the side of the house, on the ledge. The two babies have already fledged, but the mom is spending more time in the nest, so I have a feeling that she is going to lay more eggs. I was going to take the nest out before she started coming back.
I'd be interested in learning the answer to your question too, in case I can move the nest.
Dawn
Call these people:
http://www.animalrescue.org/
http://wildbird.rescueme.org/Pennsylvania
http://humaneoptionspittsburgh.org/?page_id=146
http://wildbird.rescueshelter.com/Pennsylvania
Its for your city.
See what they say/suggest.
Yuo have to make an update when you can.
I have a nest of titmice in my fern. The fern desparately needs water but I don't dare move it until the babies are out.
.
Call the DNR and ask for advice.
We have a nest of robins in a tree in our backyard, actually, they just left the nest (they grow fast!) Anyway, before the birdies hatched hubby noticed the nest and held an egg. I thought the mama bird wouldn't come back because of that but she did. I think it would be OK if you moved the nest, hopefully they'll find it. They are very protective though, hubby walked up to the nest the other day and the mama or papa went wild about to attack him.
