Robin's Nest In Garden

[Mr_P]

Hi guys,
Great forum you have here. Never visited before. I'd first like to point out that I know absolutely nothing about birds Shocking I know, but I'm after some advice

We have two small yorkshire terriers and one of them became particularly interested in one tree/bush thing (I'm not good with wildlife at all really ) in the garden the other night. So outside yesterday we remembered and thought we'd have a look and there was indeed 4 or 5 little nestlings (?) in a nest right in the centre of this bush.

Now we always get birds in the garden, my mother puts feed out and they tend to steal any dog food as well, and we back onto a forest so there's always things going on, foxes and the like. One Robin had been stealing more food than normal recently. We thought nothing of it until now.

We were watching last night and Mr & Mrs Robin were back and fourth with food so everything is fine.

My mother's dog is only interested in the nest during the evening, so this must be due to them making some noise I assume? We bring him in as soon as he starts showing some interest and all is fine. He can't reach the nest anyway, he's too small. ha.

But I don't know anything about what will happen next? Will the birds end up walking around the garden for a short while? Then I'd be worried about the dog to be honest. Buster would S**t himself and run in the opposite direction if a bird fell out of a tree but the same can't be guaranteed with Alfie.

Thanks for any advice,
Regards,
Chris

[astarsdad]

Hi Chris,
In my experience, when young robins leave the nest, they stay close to the nest. Progressively moving to undergrowth and denser bushes for protection. I would not expect them to go to the ground until they are bigger and able to harrass the mother for food; by that time they would be capable of full flight.
Terry

[kezzer]

Hi Mr p
I suppose the best advice is to not worry too much, I have a big Shepherd dog and have never had any problems with him and any of our fledglings, how ever its best to keep an eye on the little dogs for the next few weeks and for the next few months really. You never know the Robins may go for another brood in your garden at a later date.
You are aware of what your dogs are up to when they are out in the garden so I wouldn't worry too much. these little birds are very good at hiding, but little dogs are very good at finding too, so just beware.
I usually take a quick look around the garden before the dog or with the dog when he goes out.
Hope ail goes well with the babies, Kind regards K.

[Mr_P]

Thanks for the replies. Has put my mind at ease.

I've been looking around the net at pictures and the such and from what I can see it seems the first nestling should be leaving the nest in the next few days. Judging by their size. So they've obviously kept them selves hidden for quite a while.

I've never really been interested in bird watching or the like but I can honestly say, seeing that nest has absolutely amazed me. It's fascinating. lol. I may have found my calling

Cheers,
Chris

[kezzer]

Glad you've found the pleasure, i suppose we take our garden birds for granted and its not until something like this grabs your attention that you realise just how fascinating watching the birds can be.

I am not a serious bird watcher who goes out and about looking for birds and ticking them off as I spot one. I have always watched the garden birds since I was a kid, probably cos my parents did and we had a lovely garden which attracted a variety. I do get lots of pleasure from caring for my garden birds and now you have found that pleasure too I'm sure you'll get hooked.

[greenace233]

Hi Chris

Isnt it strange how something inside us triggers when nature is right in front of us. I had a nest of blackbirds, i worried all day whilst i was out if they were ok or not. I have a dog and like you got him in if he barked at the bush etc. I was once told dogs are good guard dogs as big birds who tend to attack will avoid animals larger than themselves so good luck and keep feeding them. I chopped pork fat for the bird table and it went in an instant. debbie