Disburbed blackbird nest with chicks

hillaby · #1 (**permalink**) 22-05-2010, 10:29 AM

Please can somebody help, we have this morning disturbed a blackbirds nest by mistake that was in our conifer tree. We have closed up the garden where the birds are, but keep checking. Both parents are on the roof and we have located one chick in a bush but another has got under our parked car. What do we do?????? Please reply urgently we are so worried. The RSPCA is shut.

paulinemiller10 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-05-2010, 11:49 AM

I would collect the chicks, put in an open box in a safe place where the parents can feed them, then watch to see if the parents come to feed them, I m sure they will, I have done this with a broken nest, but do make sure cats can't get at the box, best I can think of if you can't get hold of anyone. Pauline.

Picidae · #3 (**permalink**) 22-05-2010, 10:35 PM

You don't give any details of the 'disturbance' you've caused nor, how old the chicks are. So read as appropriate: Locate chicks, if unfeathered, and put them back in the original nest. If you knocked the nest down, put the nest back in the tree or build a makeshift one and replace in the site/closest to it as the original. Used any pruned branches to place cover round the nest site again. If you've just chopped the whole tree down, then place nest/makeshift nest (a hanging plant basket filled with grass/twigs will do) in the nearest large bush/or tree. Leaving a 'box' on the ground will be simply offering 'chicken in the box' to the nearest crow or cat.

Whatever you do, you need to do at first light tomorrow. This should be a lesson/reminder to everyone of the dangers of doing heavy gardening/pruning during the breeding season and also to stay away from any birds they have nesting in their garden.

'Were the birds in the nest when you disturbed it?
Did you knock the nest down?
What?!

REMEMBER Blackbird chicks often leave the nest of their own accord before they are fledged. If the chicks are fully feathered and walking around/calling, you'd be better off just leaving them. They will find a place to 'hide' and the adults will feed them provided you keep a safe distance.