Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 6/29/2008

Question
"Hi,
I have four baby robins that are approximately 5-8 days old or better.  They are alert and eyes are open.  During the night last night we heard a thud and a screech of a bird, I presumed it was her.  She has not been seen since and I think an owl got her?  We live out in the country and I am an avid bird watcher and lover.  What do I do with these babies???? The strongest one has been chirping for an hour or better and when I got close to the nest they all began opening their mouths to be fed.  HELP! I can not stand the thought of these birds dying on the front of my porch.  I have thoroughly loved watching them be nested and raised. What do I do?
Waiting eagerly for your response!
Patty"


Answer
Hi Patty. This may be a difficult answer for you. Usually one parent can raise a brood if something happens to one of the pair. Waait to see if one of the pair shows up.

If not, this is part of nature. If all of the birds that are hatched survived we would be up to our hips in birds. Predators get the slower and less smart which keeps the species strong. Please do not feed the babies. They will bond to you and can never go back to the wild. They need to be taught to get their own food, how to evade predators, etc., etc. which you cannot do.

If this really bothers you contact the wildlife department in your area or the Audubon Society, etc. to get the name of a bird rehabilitator.

If you have Bluebirds please contact me again.