Robin's Nest

[Guvernator]

A few weeks ago, much to our delight we discovered big Robin's nest in our garage which had some eggs laid in it. We were actually surprised how big and well constructed is was, hard working little birds I must say.

After a bit of research on the internet, I put out some water and some grapes cut into small chunks.

We checked on them occasionally while obviously trying not to disturb them too much. They hatched about a week ago which caused much excitement but unfortunately when we went back 2-3 days later, we found both chicks dead and the nest abandoned. I had the horrible task of having to dispose of the little bodies and we were a bit gutted to say the least.

Any ideas why they would have died?

Also is it worth leaving the nest in place? Any chance they may return for another go?

[Boosted LS1]

How many eggs were there and presumably those hatched and the chicks fledged?

[Guvernator]

Unfortunately I don't think so. There were 4 eggs, two don't seem to have hatched at all and the other two hatched but died. Really have no idea what happened. We had a hot spell for a few days and then it got quite cold again. I wonder if the hot weather made the Robin's lay eggs prematurely and then it was too cold.

[Boosted LS1]

That's a bit sad. Clear the nest and they may try again.

[Japveesix]

I'd guess then that the parents were killed by a cat or whatever and the nest abandoned so hatched chicks died from not being fed and the later eggs didn't even get enough warmth to hatch.

[Roofless Toothless]

Stupid question, perhaps, but nobody shut the garage window, did they?

[Guvernator]

It's a corrugated garage roof so there were plenty of holes for the birds to get in and out. It may well be a cat got the parents although I'm sure I saw at least one of them flying around. I've cleared out the nest. I'll keep an eye on it and see if they return.

[Herbs]

Robins can abandon nests if they fear a predator is nearby or the nest/surrounding area gets disturbed too much.

How much "checking" did you do? (not a dig by the way).

We've currently got Robins, Sparrows, Swallows, Chaffinch and some bats around the house at the moment as well as Dunnets and starlings in nearby hedges.

Edited by Herbs on Thursday 23 May 10:24

[Guvernator]

We don't go in there much at all, maybe once a week.