Birding/Robins

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/3/2004


Question
We have a robin nest with 4 babies in it.  I have not seen the mom or dad for some time now.  I know the babies are hungry because they are always sticking their little heads up with their beaks wide open.
Is mom gone?  What should we do?

Answer
Baby birds are not going to last very long without parents to feed them. But what do you mean "for some time now"? A few hours or a a few days? And are you watching the nest every minute? It would be a mistake to take the babies out of the nest if the parents are still around, so make absolutely sure the parents are gone before you do anything. You may need to watch the nest for 3-4 hours straight to make sure. If they are indeed gone, go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for links to information on how to raise baby birds. First, however, see if there is a wildlife rehabilitation center in your area. Good luck and thanks for your concern. Roger Lederer

Birding

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.