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Birding/American robin nest location concern

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Expert: - 4/13/2010


Question

Back porch nest
Hello Roger-
I have a robin's nest in a flower pot on my back porch. The wind and rain can be brutal especially spring storms in Indiana. I understand that a nest should not be moved, but could I create a wind and rain break around the nest using a tarp or wood material to protect the nest? I don't want to confuse the parent, but I've seen little ones pass because of exposure to the weather. The nest is exposed and unfortunately the nest will fill with water if left unprotected. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Answer
Interesting. There's always the balance between interfering with nature and helping it out. Too much disturbance and the Robin will abandon the nest. But you may be right in that the weather will affect the nest negatively. IF you can put up a wind barrier that will not make noise or disturb the birds (in other words, no flapping tarps, etc), then it might help. You are correct; don't move the nest too much, but from the looks of things, I think you can move the structure the nest in on a few feet without harming the birds. So try moving the whole structure first and if that doesn't do the trick, put up an unmoveable rain barrier. Thanks for your concern.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentI was so impressed with the response time and Roger's advice was very helpful. I now have some options to try and possibly impact the baby robins' survival. I will certainly recommend this site to others who have concerns for wildlife. Thank you!


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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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