Expert: Julia Booth - 7/20/2009

Question
I have a robin nest in a tree at the entrance to my utility shed.  It is on a low branch.  Every time I try to get into the building, I get attacked.  I need to make entrance , what can I do?

Answer
I'm going to assume when you say attack, you mean they dive at you and make noise. This is their attempt to defend their nest. But their bark is worse than their bite. They can't really do much actual harm to you. I think as long as your face is shielded, you should be able to just go right in. I have never known anyone who was physically injured by a robin. Even the Mockingbirds, which are more aggressive, will at the most dive at your head. Maybe wear a broad brimmed hat and hold your arm in front of your face. When they realize you're not there to disrupt their nest, they'll get over it. Robins are very territorial.

Hope this helps,

Julia