Will human touch cause a Robin to abandon its nest?
estreya
16 years ago
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trilliumgreen
16 years agobuyorsell888
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Why would a hummingbird abandon her nest?
Comments (46)I have a hummingbird nest precariosly balanced but sticking way out of an established ficus pemalia plant that has engulfed my column by my main entrance. I have several feeders and the hummers are always feeding. Recently I watched one buzz me and continuously return to her nest right there. We had a freak cold storm out of Alaska coming with freezing rain and strong winds. I know the nest is too exposed to survive it. I wanted to help protect it a little and I was able to install and umbrella in such a way as to protect the nest without ever having to touch it. Momma hummer was doing her due diligence to ward me off but I was done very quickly and still saw her. She did go back to the nest but when I checked on it later she wasnt there. I was very relieved to be buzzed by her the next morning but I havent seen her sit on the nest and now I havent seen her the rest of the day or evening. I am devestated that in trying to subtly protect the nest that i caused her to abandon it. Especially since she has dealt with my constant in and out of the front door the last two weeks. Will she be back? Did I cause her to leave? Input is greatly appreciated....See MoreAbandoned Eggs?
Comments (18)Hello, I have for the first time a Eastern bluebird nest in my yard but something happen after they lay 5 eggs, being the last one on March 30. On March 31 I noticed the entrance of the house covered with nesting material and then in the afternoon the entrance was cleaned a little bit so I checked the nest and I found a lot of nesting material in top of the eggs. My first impression was to think that they were covering the eggs to protect them from a predator but after that day, any of the adults entered the box at all so I decided to check the nest in detail and looks like a predator tried to dig inside the box without being able to damaged the eggs. My question is, do you think the eggs are still alive after 4 days without a parent worming them? I am in Houston and the temperature is around 70-80 F The parents are visiting the area but not getting inside the nest at all. Thanks in advance...See MoreSaw robin eat its eggshells
Comments (7)Thanks so much for your response. To my surprise, the robins have taken up even closer to our house! Directly on our front porch and under cover, we've had two artificial ficus trees tightly stacked together in the corner. I was stunned when I opened the front door to get a package, and a female robin flew out from the ficus! Then later, I saw the bright male through the window. There is a nest, and the female is in it. My German Shepherd Dog has taken to lying in front of the door and seems to almost be "protecting" the robins in a way. He began barking a lot earlier this morning, and I saw some of the woodchips a bit messed on the front walk. This was in daylight. I thought a package had been delivered, but nothing there. My dog scared something off...I've never seen a cat nearby. If I open my door, the faux ficus trees are almost inside of our house! I'm not using the front door now and will enter and exit through the garage. I was wondering if I place some of my dog's fur around some shrubbery if that will deter squirrels, etc......my dog used to go after them when we lived on the Great Lakes (just moved in October)....he's not a fan of anything (short of the robins) coming to our front door "uninvited." So now....if something tries to attack the nest....it's literally at my front door. I still don't know if that will protect them, but they are really wedged in the corner in the fake ficus trees branches, and the trees would not be able to support a cat (I'm concerned about them supporting the new nest). My dog is at the door as I type. Very interesting. Hoping for the best....will allow them their privacy while my German Shepherd Dog looks through the big bow window and barks at whatever was out there. He does scent work, and is also our security dog....maybe with his help, the robins will make it this time....See Moreabandoned nest
Comments (6)Judy, I would observe the box for a couple hours at a time and make sure you know if anyone is showing up. Also, you can place an obstruction like a blade of grass in the hole, and if it's gone you may have activity. Make sure the wind can't also remove it. It's hard to say exactly what happened to the mother. Hawks, owls, pesticides, car accidents, etc. All possibilities. Unless you find a body, you might never know. I've had several parents go disappearing and I know the sad feeling and thought about what may have happened. I've lost several female bluebirds, and just this year, my first couple male bluebirds. It's a tough world they endure. If they're truly abandoned, try to find the number of a local wildlife rehabber and give them a call. You should look into this BEFORE an emergency occurs. Its good that you're feeding, but don't force feed them! ~Tim~ Here is a link that might be useful: Bluebird Widows, Widowers and Orphans...See Morereg_pnw7
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