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Matt Philbin Online Buy and Sell: On p.1 #1 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Greetings all! About 5 weeks ago, a couple robins built a nest on my kids' cedar play set. It was right out in the open near the climbing wall, and seemed like it was ready to go. Since I am raising 2 little bird nerds, they quickly agreed to not play on that part of the set or disturb the nest in any way. However, the robins probably didn't realize that they'd have to share this area, despite the fact that my kids never got within 10' of the nest. So, they decided to relocate and start over in one of my nearby trees. And a new nest was built. I should note that this new nest is probably 12' up in the tree, and fairly well hidden by foilage. I never got to see the eggs, but eventually noticed the adult going back and forth towards where the nest was, and decided to watch more closely one day. At first, I noticed one little robin in the nest... And what an appetite it had... And then, after watching for a few minutes, I noticed there were 2... And new life began. Then earlier this week, I noticed the adults making a fuss on the ground, near the base of that same small tree. So I went out to look, and apparently one of the little ones had fallen out of the nest somehow. It was on the ground, and didn't look well... At first, it was just laying there motionless. Mom would come frequently and deposit small worms into its mouth. It seemed like it was near the end. So I decided to build it a small makeshift nest from dried grass clippings to make it comfortable... I placed it into the new nest, and watched mom notice the relocation, and continue the feeding pattern. I've been checking on it each day, and it's still looking pretty rough. After that first day, it did start to move around a little (probably in fear of me). When it stands up, it looks broken... I assume it fell and did damage to the shoulder area or worse, its neck. We're heading into Friday now, and surprisingly no predators have been nearby. My daughter has taken to helping me babysit this little creature too... Then tonight, it started to look a little better. It seemed "right side up" for the most part at first glance... But shortly after that shot was taken, it fell back into its broken stance. It's funny...I know in the back of my mind that this happens all over in nature, every day probably. But seeing it this closely, first hand, truly is a sad thing. So, the question I pose to you is this: What should I do? Should I let nature take its course and maybe something will come along and put this poor little one to rest? Or can I have hope that, if it survives any local hawks, it may recover? I appreciate you reading this long post. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Edited on Jul 04, 2009 at 02:53 AM · View previous versions Jul 03, 2009 at 01:50 AM

Josh S Offline Buy and Sell: On p.1 #2 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Oh my... It seems like both you and your kids are handling this well. I'm not sure what to suggest... I mean, I hope that the bird will eventually gain strength in its neck and be alright. Though, I fear it is permanent and that without food handouts from parents this bird would not be able to forage (let alone fly) on its own. I would just let everything play itself out. I would keep an eye on it and maybe do little things to at least give it a chance to recover... Though, maybe, the hawks (or more likely, a cat... unless you're fortunate enough to live away from them) have been given a small gift here. Best of luck to your family and the robin's. Josh Jul 03, 2009 at 01:56 AM

noelle Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #3 · Sad Story...It's Over Now AWWWW..... I am not sure what you should do, It looks like he is broken You have really done a wonderful thing by making him comfortable. Jul 03, 2009 at 02:00 AM

Corky170 Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #4 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Just recently my daughter in-law was outside her house and found a nest and it's living occupants had fallen from a tree. With all good intentions She and my Son rebuilt the nest in a basket and hung it near where the original nest was. Mom and Pop bird are happy with the new home and are feeding their chicks regularly. Feel free to replace the young one in the nest and see what happens. Dennis Jul 03, 2009 at 02:03 AM

harshaj1 Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #5 · Sad Story...It's Over Now I don't know what to say. May be you should follow Dennis's advice above. Harsha Jul 03, 2009 at 02:11 AM

Thang Offline Buy and Sell: On p.1 #6 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Is there a local zoo or veterinarian you can contact? Jul 03, 2009 at 02:17 AM

tfoltz Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #7 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Sad story but you said it, this happens everyday in nature. It's hard to witness first hand. Is there a wildlife rehabilitation center that you could take it to? Tim Jul 03, 2009 at 02:22 AM

Matt Philbin Online Buy and Sell: On p.1 #8 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Dennis... love that idea! You'd have to see my tree to understand why I can't put the bird back in it's nest. The tree is young, and probably 14-15 feet tall. It's also thin enough that if I were to lean a longer ladder into it, I'd likely do more damage than what has already been done. I stood on top of a small step ladder to get the nest shots here. Thang... sure. I guess I can try that tomorrow. Maybe no so much the vet (spent $2K on our last dog, can't imagine the bill for neck surgery on a robin!), but near Chicago we have an excellent zoo that we're members of. Thanks all! Jul 03, 2009 at 02:26 AM

Lil Judd Offline Image Upload: Off p.1 #9 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Matt, I see two options, 1 - my preferred - stick the little one back in the nest. The adults already know you're helping them. Just stick it back in there. Birds can not smell you on the chick - but they can see. Birds have a highly developed sense - - eyesight. 2 - nature rehabilitation center. Unfortunately too often people try to help & do the "wrong" thing by interfering. Oh & I'd stay away from the Vet - - first up you'd need an avian vet for sure & that's going to cost a lot. And you need one which is used to wild birds. I'd personally start by trying to locate the nest & go from there. But you already know where the nest is - - just try to stick the chick in there. But that's just me. Lil Jul 03, 2009 at 02:43 AM

Karl Witt Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #10 · Sad Story...It's Over Now That is quite a story and situation Matt. I have a feeling you are feeling pretty helpless buddy. It is great in a way to have the kids witness this struggle and build their appreciation for the delicate things in nature normally take for granted. Best of luck to you and the family and the struggling Robin. Karl Jul 03, 2009 at 02:44 AM

Arun Gupta Offline Image Upload: Off p.1 #11 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Find someone from the local Audubon society and ask them. When I found a broken bird, they directed me to a local place where such birds are taken care of for the rest of their lives. Jul 03, 2009 at 01:35 PM

Matt Philbin Online Buy and Sell: On p.1 #12 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Thanks everyone. It's a little before 9:00 here, and I'll start checking into this shortly. I appreciate the help. Jul 03, 2009 at 01:52 PM

treebeard Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #13 · Sad Story...It's Over Now That's a sad story, but nature has it's way I suppose. You have received alot of good advice so hopefully you can take it somewhere where it can be rehabed if possible. Jul 03, 2009 at 02:06 PM

GeneO Offline Image Upload: Off p.1 #14 · Sad Story...It's Over Now I expect you might find a rehabilitation center nearby as already mentioned. If so I would take it there. Good luck on this one Matt. Gene Jul 03, 2009 at 02:18 PM

Matt Philbin Online Buy and Sell: On p.1 #15 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Tomorrow would have been the 1st opportunity to take this one in, and a friend from a local birding group had given me a place to contact. So, for today, I followed Dennis' suggestion above and made it a new nest in the same tree. I wanted to get it up off the ground for obvious reasons. Mom seemed to watch me from a distance, and didn't take long to figure out how to get food to the little one... Things seemed to be looking up. Then, tonight my wife and daughter went out to have a look and found it unresponsive. They came in and asked me if birds slept. So, I went out and looked at the nest, and it had passed away. I explained to my 4yr old daughter that this bird was lucky to have her nearby, to help make it comfortable and keep it safe. She'll be fine, and on to the next thing tomorrow I'm sure! Thanks to everyone for the help on this! Jul 04, 2009 at 02:43 AM

Thang Offline Buy and Sell: On p.1 #16 · Sad Story...It's Over Now sorry to hear about this Matt. Thanks for keeping us posted with the little one's progress. You and your family have done a great job in keep the little as comfortable and safe as possible during its last few days of life. Take care Matt. Jul 09, 2009 at 04:13 AM

Josh S Offline Buy and Sell: On p.1 #17 · Sad Story...It's Over Now That's too bad... The basket idea is interesting. It's pretty amazing that the robins will take to it. I rebuilt a robin's nest this spring that a dog had ripped out of a tree (I was there as it happened)... Fortunately I was able to secure it back to the tree using the material that was already there. Placing 4 nestlings into the nest without suffocating/burying any one was difficult. All robins from that nest fledged successfully. Jul 09, 2009 at 04:19 AM

Lil Judd Offline Image Upload: Off p.1 #18 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Matt, that basket was a great idea. I'm sorry for the sad ending - unfortunately that happens. You cared & you've taught your children to care - that's what matters. Lil Jul 09, 2009 at 04:23 AM

Karl Witt Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #19 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Your family extended this little ones life as far as it could Matt. The basket in the tree looks rather decorative and perhaps will start a trend in memory of your little robin Sorry to hear of the loss, I do hope the kids find understanding in the whole event, if I get sick I am coming to you guys for care Karl Jul 09, 2009 at 04:23 AM

sevan pulurian Offline Image Upload: Off p.1 #20 · Sad Story...It's Over Now So SAD....... There is nothing you can do other then to let nature runs its course. I personally hate to see little birds and critters hurt in any way, I guess once you start to photography them they become more of a pet to you, in a sense. But making a safer nest as you did. You did the best you could. They will have more little ones soon and hopefully this time there will be no sad stories to come. Trying to play mother nature can and most likely back fire on you. Helping them by building a nest and assuring them safety is about the most you can do. R.I.P. Little guy. You and your kids did well Matt. Sevan Jul 09, 2009 at 04:24 AM

Hide Takahashi Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #21 · Sad Story...It's Over Now It's an amazing story. But like you mentioned,this kind of thing probably happens everyday and that's why the chick's survival rate is low. I think you and your family did the best they could do but unfortunately the chick didn't survive. It's a sad ending but I'm sure you'll see more opportunities to see the Robin's chicks in the future. Thanks for sharing your story. Hide Jul 09, 2009 at 04:36 AM

Matt Philbin Online Buy and Sell: On p.1 #22 · Sad Story...It's Over Now Thanks everyone for the kind words and thoughts. It was interesting to watch mom try to figure out where the little one was, and then eventually how to get into the basket to feed it. The other chick that was part of this family has already left the nest and is doing fine. Thanks again all! Karl... I would build you a little colored basket any time you need it! The door's open! Jul 09, 2009 at 11:13 AM

Herb Houghton Offline Image Upload: On p.1 #23 · Sad Story...It's Over Now I'd recommend a call to an avian rehabilitator in your area. I have a local bird rehab nearby that I've brought several species to, including a baby wood duck stranded in a pool. These people have the most experience in rehabbing almost any bird injury. Herb Jul 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM

coracii Offline Image Upload: Off p.1 #24 · Sad Story...It's Over Now It's a little late for your robin, but just in case the information is needed again there are rehabbers for native wildlife close to just about any part of the country. Go here, http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm and you can search for licensed wildlife rehabilitators near you. The overwhelming majority charge nothing for their services, but most are more than willing to accept donations to offset costs. Also, there are some veterinarians that will take a look at injured (not "orphaned") wildlife without charging you. Never hurts to call and ask. Jul 09, 2009 at 12:28 PM

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