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Birding/baby Robin - out of nest

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Expert: - 7/3/2008


Question
We've been watching a Robin nest in our hedges. This morning we discovered one of the babies is out of the nest on the ground. The baby seems healthy and the momma is still bringing it food. I guess the babies are about 3-7 days old. The nest is easily reachable. I am worried about neighborhood cats. Should I return the Robin? How?

Answer
If the baby is fully feathered, do not return it to the nest. If the mother is feeding it- well, that's what is supposed to happen. Young leave thenest before they can fly. Yes, cats are a worry, but there is nothing you can do except scare the cats away. The babies will jump from the nest when ready and you should not put them back. Thanks for your concern.

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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