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... http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3682521387_ac403be614_b.jpg
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... http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3683334422_8ec0c7b697_b.jpg
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... http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3682526355_5aae026052_b.jpg
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... http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3683343122_6aa64ec5fc_b.jpg
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... http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3682530095_7b19d7cdc7_b.jpg
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
