Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/15/2009

Question
Sir, We have a large covered front porch and I have rocking chairs,plants, etc., on it.  I also have a large potted Norfolk Island Palm Tree, that has grown quite large. We take it in the garage in the winter and bring it back out in the spring.
   We live in North Carolina on the coast and the weather is in the low 80's right now.  Anyway, I was looking out my front porch window and saw a large nest in the tree. I checked it out over two weeks ago and there were no eggs in it. Then we noticed one afternoon sitting out on the porch two large Robins sitting in the tree. Then we did not see them again until this morning. I spotted the female sitting on this large nest. I am so concerned that we will disturb her when we go out and sit on our porch. The porch is quite long and the tree is at the other end of the porch. I can stay away from it but am concerned how I will water the tree.
How long where she be sitting on the nest, and how long before the baby chicks hatch? She just started sitting full-time today, May 15th. We are very excited because we can watch everything from inside the house. We have a front row seat.
I am worried that any stray cats in our area would be able to climb up this tree. Any suggestions for us to give this nest 100% security and what about food for the Robin's nesting. Can we help them out in any shape or form? Also, will they come back and next here again this season? I have not had a chance to take some pictures but will and send them on also.  Thank you for your time. Nancy from North Carolina

Answer
1. No problem around them - they are very tolerant of people.
2. No problem watering tree.
3. About 15 days to hatch.
4. About 20+ days to fledge (fly from nest). Parents will feed for a few days more and will probably nest again.
5. If you are worried about cats/raccoons/snakes, etc. wrap smooth metal around the trunk and spray it often with WD40 or coat it with cooking oil, etc.
6. They don't need food - this time of year they are very self-sufficient with worms, caterpillars, etc. (They wipe out a lot of potential butterflies, but that is nature).
7. They often return to the same spot or yard.