Blackbird Nest Disturbed

OldRover · #1 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 09:09 AM

Yesterday I inadvertantly disturbed a Blackbirds nest. It usually nests in my conifers - has done yearly for a long time but last winter I severely cut the conifers back. This year it has nested in a shed at the bottom of my gardern. I went into the shed yesterday (not very often that happens) to get some oak boards out. I was just about to pull them out when I realized there was a nest on top of them. As soon as I realized it was a nest I stopped rumaging about and left well alone but I did have a look in the nest first and there is at least 4 eggs, possibly 5. It is right high up agianst the roof so difficult to see into. When I came out of the shed I noticed Blackie on top of my house chirping violently seemingly in protest - so I had been seen.

Have I ruined it for Blackie, or well everything still be OK?

Thanks

Elizabeth B · #2 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldRover

Yesterday I inadvertantly disturbed a Blackbirds nest. It usually nests in my conifers - has done yearly for a long time but last winter I severely cut the conifers back. This year it has nested in a shed at the bottom of my gardern. I went into the shed yesterday (not very often that happens) to get some oak boards out. I was just about to pull them out when I realized there was a nest on top of them. As soon as I realized it was a nest I stopped rumaging about and left well alone but I did have a look in the nest first and there is at least 4 eggs, possibly 5. It is right high up agianst the roof so difficult to see into. When I came out of the shed I noticed Blackie on top of my house chirping violently seemingly in protest - so I had been seen.

Have I ruined it for Blackie, or well everything still be OK?

Thanks

I think there's a good chance that things will be OK, since there are eggs in the nest. All you can do now is keep your distance - and hope for the best. Can you see the shed from the house, or some concealed place - then you could watch out for her?

SheffieldLass · #3 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 11:22 AM

I think she'll be ok. I just hope you don't need those oak boards too urgently! Good excuse to put the DIY off to another day

.

I've had the same issue with a robin nesting in a shed on my allotment. I went in to get some gardening stuff, and then spotted the nest in the corner, and a robin alarming outside. I made sure I retrieved all the gardening stuff I was likely to need for the next few weeks then made a quick retreat. She went on to rear the young successfully.

OldRover · #4 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elizabeth B

I think there's a good chance that things will be OK, since there are eggs in the nest. All you can do now is keep your distance - and hope for the best. Can you see the shed from the house, or some concealed place - then you could watch out for her?

Yes I can see the shed. I can also see into the nest from outside the shed. I have seen no signs of Blackie today

I shall keep my eye on it anyway. Will the eggs still hatch anyway? If the nest is being attended to, how long before they do hatch? Sorry to ask dumb questions but I have not been in this situation before, although it is actually quite interesting

Elizabeth B · #5 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 06:11 PM

The eggs need to be incubated for 13-14 days before they hatch, then the chicks will be cared for in the nest for 14-15 days.

I don't know all this off by heart!!!! I use the BTO website frequently for this sort of information:
BTO - Birds of Britain

We have our own figures for blue and great tits, having been watching them via box-cams since 2001, but I'm forever using the BTO site for other birds.

Hope all goes well

OldRover · #6 (**permalink**) 24-05-2010, 11:50 AM

Just curious as to what happens with nesting. Does one sit on the nest while the other keeps watch? I have seen Blackie on neighbouring TV aerials chirping the same tune. I just wonder if she is checking safety from afar.

TIA
Malcolm

bigdave60dog · #7 (**permalink**) 24-05-2010, 11:53 AM

You will know the answer by now. She either will or won`t be back by now. Tell us which please.
Dava

OldRover · #8 (**permalink**) 24-05-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdave60dog

You will know the answer by now. She either will or won`t be back by now. Tell us which please.
Dava

I have just looked into the nest agian from my outside vantage point and there is no one sitting on the nest. Surely my approach would be heard though, and she/he would be away before I got to see??

Elizabeth B · #9 (**permalink**) 24-05-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldRover

Just curious as to what happens with nesting. Does one sit on the nest while the other keeps watch? I have seen Blackie on neighbouring TV aerials chirping the same tune. I just wonder if she is checking safety from afar.

TIA
Malcolm

The female does all the incubating - and the male should be coming in to feed her, though she will go out for short "comfort breaks" and may well find herself some food too.

OldRover · #10 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 03:58 PM

Well I have to think that by now this nest has been abandoned. The nest is still there with its eggs in and no Blackbirds around. Question is, what do I do with it? The nest is starting to fall to pieces and there are 5 eggs in it. Are there such things as legitimate egg collectors or something?

TIA
Malcolm