I had the same thing happen to me involving a rabbit's foot fern. Although I enjoyed watching the parents raise the 3 little chicks, my fern suffered for it. What I did this year was to suspend sea shells above the hanging basket from the bracket with fishing line. They move and clatter in the breeze. My returning parents have had a look, but so far no nests. I do keep a few birdhouses along my fence as alternatives. It may be worth a try.

you never got any responses.. because you posted this in the gallery did you ever post it on the discussion side??? .. if not.. do so ... ken

Holcombee: What kind of wren? I'm guessing maybe Carolina? I doubt she would fix it, but I have no real reason to say that. It just seems to me from observation that birds are more fixated on feeding the babies than anything. I don't know how she'd be able to fix the next from the top with the babies in it. I also wonder if she would notice that the bottom of the nest was in need of repair and/or have the sense to do anything about it. Having said all of that it is merely speculation. If the babies do fall out, the parents will still attempt to care for them if they are healthy, but they are likely to become the prey of another bird or cat or night predator. I guess if you do decide to shore up the nest somehow, you should make a solid plan and have a helper ready to hand things to you or run for something you may need. The parents are likely to be somewhat upset, and you want to be able to work as quickly as possible. I have used a deep bucket in which to carefully place the babies (I pick up the whole nest and babies by scooping it up with two hands). I cover the bucket with a towel so that the babies do not become prey or get overheated by the sun. Then I have fashioned nests out of similar materials making sure to try to work the materials into a cup by putting my thumbs into the middle. I just try to get it as close to the old nest in shape and materials as possible. Once I have the new nest in place, I then replace the babies carefully. In the cases that I have done this, they have always been in a nest box, so it is easier to be sure the babies will stay put afterward. The real danger here is if the babies are of an age that they could jump ship and you cause them to fledge prematurely out of fear. Can you tell about how close they are to fledging? Are the eyes open, do they permanent feathers yet? If they are close to fledging, I'd leave nature to her work. This is not an ideal solution, and I'd only use it if absolutely necessary. I think if you are able to add anything under the nest, that would be the best thing. This is one of the reasons that there is such mortality rates in songbirds under one year. Good luck and keep us posted.

Oh, I can give you some first hand knowledge on the little Carolina Chickadees in my yard!! About a month ago, I noticed that they had already built a full nest inside one of my little birdhouses. Now, they seem to be unable to make up their minds about where they want to nest. They have been in and out of every little house that I have hanging.I have personally seen them in 7 of the houses. They are leaving little pieces of green moss in each house. I assumed that this must be a territorial issue. I figured that they must be leaving the moss in each house to discourage any other pair of Carolina Chickadees from nesting there. Just my thoughts tho. I still don't know what they will finally choose.