Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 6/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
We have a pair of house finches that made a nest on the inside wall of our porch, outside our front door. This is the second year in a row, and there are currently four eggs in the nest. Each time we open the door, the mother bird leaves the nest, flies out, and then returns a few minutes later when the coast is clear. But each evening, just after dusk, she does not stir, she stays put when we come and go. Why the different behaviors? Why does she appear to be so frightened of us during the day but not at night?
Thank you,
Kathlene

ANSWER: Nesting birds are usually calmer at night, and one theory is that this is when more of their predators such as raccoons are active, and to fly off the nest in the dark would give away its position.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer, I appreciate it. Since this is her second year nesting here, will she ever stop flying away when we pass by? Will she ever get used to us and just relax a little? We feel bad creating such alarm just by entering and exiting our house. I read that since she came back to make a nest in the same place again this year, she considers it safe, but not that safe, I guess?

Answer
All birds and animals are different, but usually once they have eggs or young they stay bonded to the nest even when disturbed. The flight is an instinctive one where the adults will flee from the nest if they fear an attack to live another day. This will probably not change, and you should not worry about it.