Topic: Birdnest - pics added - WE HAVE BABIES!

[Nic Obscurites]

Wow, I haven't seen robin eggs since I lived up north, they don't nest down here in the south.

Im in Alabama and the redbreasted robins get under our bushes and nest on the ground much like they did in the hanging basket, the only time Ive seen a robin nest off the ground is if the ground doesnt dry out quickly after a rain, same with the wood thrushes..... But Ive heard up North they nest in trees and bushes, funny to think the Dixie Robins and Yankee Robins, even tho they are the same type bird, nest in a different way.

[jbmathwiz]

wow that is such a great opportunity. I'm so jealous!!!

[wendyjo]

LOL @ dixie and yankee robins!  Nic it seems like they would be extremely vulnerable to predators with a nest on the ground.  Most birds that nest on the ground have babies that are much more developed when they're born (like chickens and ducks, for example) so they are able to follow the mother and get out of harms way.  Baby robins are almost embryonic when born - no way they could do anything but be eaten.

Well she didn't lay an egg today so I think 4 may be it.  I'll post back once they hatch.  We are thinking about putting a webcam up and streaming the vid.  We'll see.

[ShieldWolf]

We are thinking about putting a webcam up and streaming the vid.  We'll see.

Now that would be extremely cool.

[EowynJane]

^ I second that!

[Nic Obscurites]

Wendy, Ive noticed Ive only stumbled upon baby robins on the ground by accident, they make no noise to draw attention to them selves, and mama and dad are always nearby to dive bomb an incoming cat

[RinsMom]

Wendy, Ive noticed Ive only stumbled upon baby robins on the ground by accident, they make no noise to draw attention to them selves, and mama and dad are always nearby to dive bomb an incoming cat

Or person.........

[johncuth1170 (JohnC)]

BTW wendyjo - your garden is amazing.

[Nic Obscurites]

BTW wendyjo - your garden is amazing.

I 2nd, 3rd, and 4th that!!

[wendyjo]

Ohh thanks guys

Here is a new shot of momma in the basket sitting on her nest:



And here you can see what I did with the ivy that I added to the basket.  I wound it up and around the chains to help screen out the sun (and rain to an extent). I only did this on the side that gets the sun - the side facing the house is still completely open.   Momma Robin seems OK with the additional foliage around the basket and it probably makes her feel a bit more protected from predators.  It's loose enough that she can still get in and out the basket easily.  The little bit of sun that gets thru is very dappled now instead of glaring down on the nest.  The vines aren't rooted too well tho and will probably turn brown and die over the next few weeks, but the leaves should stay on long enough to see the babies thru till they leave the nest.  Momma allows me to water the basket so that will help keep the ivy alive for a while.