Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 6/14/2008

Question
We had a storm, and a robin nest that was built in our swing fell to the ground. It had 4 baby robins in it, but I only found 2 laying by the nest. The Mother was there, but flew away when I came up. It was raining hard and they were getting drowned, so I picked up the babies, put them back in the nest, and my husband built a wooden box. We nailed the box back up where the nest was originally. Then we put the nest with the 2 babies in it in the box. It's open on the top, and on one side. We watched, and saw the mother fly into the box 2 or 3 times, but we went out later tonight, and it's starting to rain again, and the mother is nowhere around. It's about 73 degrees, but shouldn't the mother be there? I think she normally has been. And I don't know if she fed them or not. Is this normal? I don't want to handle them too much, but do I need to feed them? And how do I know if she isn't feeding them when I'm not home? Please let me know. Thank you.
Loretta

Answer
Please let nature take its course and don't feed them. It is really cruel as they will bond to you if you feed them and can never go back to the wild. This early in the year the parents will build another nest and replace them if the young don't survive. Contact me again if you also have bluebirds.