Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/16/2010

Question
We have a robin's nest directly under our deck (it is actually just under the deck boards that you walk on and sitting on the support beams).  There were three eggs that have all hatched between yesterday and today.  Every time we go out on the deck the mother bird flys away but stays close enough to see what is going on.  I know she needs to feed them and keep them warm as they were literally just born.  We are having a birthday party for my son this Saturday.  If we have people on our deck for 8 hours between preparation, party  and clean up time - if the mother is gone for that entire time will the babies suffer?  Should we move the party to a different area so they are not disturbed or will they be fine?

Answer
The short answer is yes - if the mother is gone for eight hours with babies that young, they will almost certainly die. They can't control their body heat and will cool down or heat up too much. It takes about 10 days for them to develop that ability. If you can move the party, the birds will certainly be the better for it. Thanks for your concern.