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...

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

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.

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

I don't know what to say. May be you should follow Dennis's advice above.
Harsha

Is there a local zoo or veterinarian you can contact?

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

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!

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

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

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.

Thanks everyone. It's a little before 9:00 here, and I'll start checking into this shortly. I appreciate the help.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.