Expert: Miguel Rodriguez - 4/27/2011

Question
is it ok to relocate a robins nest without eggs in it if you think it is in a bothersome place for the birds. a place that might disturbe them frequently. i have a nest on top of my  porchlight which is above my mailbox on my front porch. there are no eggs in there as of now but every once in awhile when i get the   mail she will fly out. plus i like to keep my porch light on overnight. so i guess my question is can i move it if it doesnt have any eggs in it. ill keep it there as long as the birds will not be bothered by the porchlight at night and the mailman and me getting into the mailbox everyday. i love the the bird, first one up in the morning and last one to go to bed. any help would be great otherwise i am going to leave it. chris

Answer
If you remove the nest the birds will probably start rebuilding it in the same place again (it is my experience with mockingbirds, though, not robins). In general, birds are not so dumb as to try to hatch eggs in a spot which is unfriendly to them, so it will probably give up on the effort if it is too stressed (before or after it lays eggs).

I would just let it be; let it decide. If you don't want the nest there for aesthetic reasons, then you should use some way to dissuade it, like putting mesh or the like.