Advice on Robin's Nest

[shelaghc]

Hi there, just need some advice if possible. Last week a Robin built a nest in the garage in a Robin nesting box that we had stored in there as it was not being used.

It was only discovered when we went in the garage to get something and the Robin started to fly around. We quickly came out again and closed the door. We waited for a few days but didn't see anything, so decided it would be OK to go back into the garage as there was no sign of the bird. We were right in so far as the Robin wasn't there but saw there was a nest in the box. On inspection, there was one egg at the bottom but it was cold.

We thought we had startled her, and that she had gone off and built another nest elsewhere. However today, when we checked the box, there are now two eggs in the box, but again no sign of the bird.

Can anyone tell us what is going on, as we want to do the right thing.

[pressld2]

Hi Shelagh,

Many birds lay their clutch of eggs over a number of days but don't start incubating until they've all been laid. This way the young all hatch at more or less the same time.

Your best bet is to minimise disturbance by avoiding going in the garage as much as possible. Robins are pretty tolerant of humans so if you have to go in for something just do it as quickly and quietly as possible. They may fly out but will soon return when you've gone.

I have two robin boxes in my garden but as far as I know neither is being used.

Dave P.

[shelaghc]

Thanks very much for your advice Dave - obvious really isn't it. We will most certainly keep out as much as possible now. We have waited years for this, and like you, our Robin box was never used outside. Last year there was an attempt to build a nest in a hard hat that was in the garage, but that idea was quickly dismissed - think it was too big to hold the shape required. That is why this year the box was moved into the garage just on the off chance that it might work. Finger crossed, but from what you say its looking good.

Thanks again.

Shelagh