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Birding/possible abandoned wren babies

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 4/30/2009


Question
We have had a House wren build a nest in a bin on our front porch. The mother has been on the nest daily and every evening and has been very tolerant of our dogs and us. Today, however, we noticed that she was not on the nest during the day and it is now 11:00 PM and she is no where in sight.  The babies are chirping loudly.  I hope we did the right thing. My daughter caught some moths flying around the porch and they quieted down. I'm worried about them not being warm enough but at least they are fed. We live in north central Florida and it is late April so I hope they will be alright. They have begun to get some fuzz and their eyes seem to be open. What should I do if mom doesn't come back?


Answer
Be patient. She may be back and if the babies are old enough one parent can raise them. Have you seen the male? If they do not show (birds have many predators which is why they raise so many babies)you have two choices: 1. Do nothing and let nature take its course. It is next to impossible for you to feed and raise baby birds, it may be illegal, and if you did they would bond to you and can never go back to the wild. 2. Contact Audubon or other bird associations in your area to see if there is a bird rehabilitator near. Good luck!

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Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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