I would not be surprised. Yesterday I witnessed something very similar-only the reverse. I have a mama robin in a nest near my front window. I was in the garden and I heard her peeping wildly. When I came around the corner, there were 5 blackbirds harassing her---getting close to her nest and posing a threat. I tried to shoo them away, but they ignored me and were too high up. Then I noticed about 4 other robins and a couple of wrens flying in and they chased the blackbirds off to a tree across the street. Mama robin settled back into her nest with her two babies. The other birds sat in her tree for a little while and then flew off. I was really impressed. Mother Nature is really heartwarming at times...so yes, your little robin could indeed be helping out a friend. :)

Several years ago a robin laid eggs in a hanging basket right next to our frequently used patio door. When someone went in or out the mother robin would fly off. Once it became quiet she would return to the nest. I suppose too much commotion would be a major problem, but they successfully raised three babies in the basket... even with me sticking my nose into the basket every day.

You removed a Chickadee nest?? Why on earth would you remove a Chickadee nest?? They are very low on the totem pole as far as successful nestings since they cannot fight off larger cavity nesters, plus they usually only have one brood per season so they need all the help they can get. I LOVE Dees! I have had them nesting here for the last three years and I would never never remove one of their nests!! I protect them as much as I could and if a Blue pair wanted the box that a Dee already had then I would put a hole reducer on the box so the Blues couldn't have it! I have tons of TRES that take all the boxes around here but I haven't removed any of their nests either, just keep hoping the Blues find an empty box and nest. The Blues around here are always the last to start nesting so they get what is left pretty much of the nestboxes. I have one pair of Blues, one pair of Dees and six pairs of TRES all nesting right now. Blues love mealworms but as far as getting them to stay in your yard and nest, there is no guarantee. The male finds the nesting sites but the female needs to approve of it. She makes the final pic. If she likes the nestbox she will stay...if they found something better elsewhere they will go there. Alot depends on the availability of nestboxes around your area. If they have lots to choose from they could go anywhere but if there aren't alot of spots for them to choose from then maybe they will choose your yard. However if you aren't prepared to let other native cavity nesters use the nestboxes you put up then you shouldn't be offering nestboxes. Oh and hopefully all your nestboxes are mounted on slick metal poles (conduit works best) with predator baffles and at least 15 feet away from trees or fences. Donna

Today arrived. My husband asked that we do the exploratory last night to give him more time. BY bedtime I had dosed my friend with two tabs of tramadol. This was the start of a really bumpy night. I picked him up to enjoy the comfort and smells of the bed but he could not settle and jumped off to vomit for the last time. We had to give a second dose of tramadol sooner then allowed along with a dose of ace. I had asked for rimadyl hoping to pick it up this morning. There is no need for the rimadyl. We all are at peace. My husband collpased in the garage as I was gathering feed for the chickens. He finally understood . He slept on the bathroom floor with my boy . As much as he drives me crazy I have a good hubby. I knew I would find peace once this all ended. I have done it before. For those looking for help ...... you need to be the voice of your pet. YOu need to stand up and take control when the vet still pushes his agenda. I refused exploratory surgery cause his tongue was already showing anemia. I did not want him in pain from his illness and the surgery. I am pissed that I did not have a stronger pain med. Last night was horrific. I found that keeping a journal of his food,medicine and activity helped me to make decisions. I cringed seeing the clock strike 5 knowing I only had the internet for comfort. It was the internet that told me about cat food and baby food to be offered if a dog refuses his food not my vet. So a warm huge hug to those who post their troubles and woes since it lays a path for those who follow. There is no high jacking of this thread. We are all searching for how to make the best choice. I made the best choice early this morning. I am crushed , beaten but at peace. I thank you . To arkansas-girl........... My first dog was also a labrador retriever. She presented with chronic ear infections and ruptured eardrums. In fact our local vet told me after the third ear rupture that he can not help me. I asked who should I go see and he said "IDK". SHe also licked her paws raw and had her skin turn black along her abdomen. After many months we ended the process with her being placed on allergen shots and prednisone. I would record your dog's food and her activiities and health history such as her skin condition, ear issues, weight gain or loss. I would also change her diet to simple protein such as deer, bison, or rabbit feed. Do not feed her any pork, beef, chicken and turkey or lamb. The former all eat grass where the latter all eat corn. NO store bought treats ,give veggies and fresh fruit instead I would apply A&d ointment to her paws and then place socks over them using vet wrap to hold in place. You could even use baking soda or epsom salt washes by letting her stand in a warm pan / bucket or bathtub. I would treat her paws as if she has a chemical burn and allergies. When a dog has pain they lick the site...... her feet hurt. This is not a simple fix and the allergy testing is not cheap . I would change the diet to the above mentioned. YOu need to be diligent cause some of the above diet has potato as a starch which is also an allergen. It sucks to have a problem and no solution. It is maddening to be so vocal and have no one listen. I hope what I post helps.