Helping Robins Nest Safely on Your Property
Submitted by: Shawna, Calgary, Canada
For years, a pair of robins has chosen the front of our house as their nesting spot. These beautiful birds alternate between two favorite locations: a cow skull near our staircase or the light fixture above our front door.
Unfortunately, they often choose the light, which is far less convenient for us and our guests.
Every spring, I try to discourage them from nesting on the light by frequently using the front door when I see them scouting the area.
Despite my efforts, the robins always seem to prefer this spot, even though it's just a few feet from where people walk.
Their sudden flights to the nearby lilac bush often startle us and any visitors, as they loudly chirp their displeasure.
Porch Light Where Robins Nest
This year, I've started considering alternatives. Maybe placing a small barricade around the light would encourage them to choose another spot.
Better yet, I could install a nesting shelf in a safer and less obtrusive location. I'd love to continue sharing my space with these determined birds-just in a way that's less disruptive for both of us.
A Tragic Discovery
Earlier this season, I noticed that the robin parents weren't around the nest as much as before.
At first, I wasn't too concerned. I assumed their babies had grown too large for the parents to sit on them and were likely being cared for in the nearby trees.
That all changed when my sister came over one afternoon. As she stepped out the front door, an unpleasant smell hit us immediately.
Fearing the worst, I climbed onto the railing to inspect the nest. My fears were confirmed-inside were five dead baby robins.
Removing the nest was heartbreaking. It was tightly packed and much thicker than I expected. These babies were nearly ready to fledge, their wings already feathered.
Adding to the sadness, my roommate told me he had found another baby robin dead on the sidewalk just days earlier. That brought the total loss to six.
What Could Have Gone Wrong?
I've been wracking my brain, trying to figure out what might have caused this tragedy. The light wasn't turned on, so overheating wasn't an issue.
I avoided using the front door except for the occasional guest, and the parents seemed attentive, frequently returning with worms to feed the nestlings.
Could one baby's death have caused a chain reaction? Maybe the smell deterred the parents from returning to the nest.
The day after I removed the nest, I saw what looked like the female robin perched where the nest used to be.
It broke my heart to think she might still be mourning her lost brood.
Entrance to my Home
How Can I Help Robins Nest Safely?
This isn't the first time these robins have faced challenges. Every year, I find three to four dead baby robins on the ground. Still, this year was by far the worst.
I wonder if there's anything I can do to make their nesting attempts more successful.
One option is to place a nesting shelf in a safer location, away from the front door. I've also learned that robins often raise multiple broods in a single season.
While they've never nested more than once in our yard before, I'm holding out hope that they'll try again this year.
If they do, I'll be ready to make their next nest safer and more secure. These resilient robins deserve another chance, and I'm eager to help them succeed.
From Wild-Bird-Watching.com
Why Do Robins Choose Certain Nesting Sites?
Robins prefer nesting sites that provide shelter, safety, and proximity to food sources. Structures like porch lights, beams, and even decorative items mimic the protective qualities of tree branches.
The overhang of a porch or a similar feature offers protection from the elements and predators. Unfortunately, this convenience for robins can sometimes clash with human activity.
Common Causes of Nestling Mortality
Several factors can contribute to the tragic loss of robin nestlings:
Predation: Cats, crows, and other predators can disrupt a nest, leading to the death of nestlings. This may be why you see them on the ground.
Disease or Parasites: Illness or infestations can spread within a crowded nest, particularly if the same nesting site is reused without cleaning.
Abandonment: If a nest becomes contaminated, parents might abandon it, especially if they sense danger or overwhelming stress.
Weather Conditions: Prolonged rain or extreme heat can make survival difficult for young birds.
Tips for Helping Robins Nest Safely
If you want to support robins while minimizing disruption to your household, consider these steps:
Install a Nesting Shelf: Place a sturdy shelf in a sheltered but low-traffic area to encourage robins to nest there.
Use Gentle Deterrents: Cover unwanted nesting spots with mesh or other barriers before the robins arrive in spring.
Clean Old Nesting Sites: If robins reuse the same area, remove old nests to prevent the spread of disease or parasites.
Provide Safe Feeding Zones: Plant native trees and shrubs to offer a natural source of food and protection.
With a little preparation and care, you can create an environment where robins thrive while ensuring your home remains a welcoming and harmonious space for all.
Here's hoping this determined pair of robins finds success and joy in their next nesting season!
