Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/25/2008

Question
I have just developed my green thumb and I just underwent my first experience with seeing possibly a Robin lay eggs and 1-2 birds have matured.  The first time I allowed the nest to remain and continued to water around the nest as to not disturb the birds nesting and to keep the plant alive.  Today, as I watered my other hanging plant I found another bird nest and I removed it.  I love the fact that the Robins chose my hanging planter to nest but I have to admit I rather see them nest in the backyard in one of my trees. I want to be able to sit outside and enjoy the weather without having to worry that the adult bird will get anxious if I remain too long around the nest? Is there anything I can do to deter the birds from nesting in my hanging planters? Or is this just part of having one? Someone gave an idea of hanging CDs to scare the birds away. I know this is not question about birding, but perhaps you can share something about bird behavior.

Answer
Clearly the hangers are attractive to birds. Cover them with mesh or hand things that scare the birds to keep them away. I'm afraid I have to tell you that harming or harassing birds is against federal law,and that includes nests and eggs, so once a nest is started you need to leave it alone. But thanks for your concern.