Expert: Julia Booth - 5/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: I found 2 baby robins no more than 5 days old in the middle of a busy parking lot. The parents were there. I couldn't find the nest. Instead, I found a nest from last year, secured it in a tree where the parents were sitting and put the babies inside. I can't sit and watch all day but it looks like no feeding is taking place. Will this work? What should I do? I don't think that there's any way these guys would survive on the ground.

ANSWER: Have some faith. These animals know what they're doing. If the parents are there, then the babies will be fine. Robins eats on the ground mostly, worms and slugs that emerge when grass and soil become moist.

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QUESTION: So you are saying to put them back on the ground? It is a dangerous environment with many cars, animals and children around.

Answer
I know you mean well, and I'm sure that your intentions are pure. But American Robins have thrived in busy cities for decades. They're a highly urban bird. By moving them, you're actually taking them out of the environment where they have the best chance of survival.

There's a reason why birds have multiple broods in one season. All of their babies do NOT survive to adulthood. If they did, there would be so many birds that there wouldn't be any room for anyone else. It's a part of the food chain and while it would be nice if we could save every bird from being harmed by the elements of nature, it's not necessary.

Put the babies back where you found them ASAP. The longer you wait, the less chance they have of survival. Their own parents are the ones best suited to taking care of them.