Why won't the redstarts return to the nest when I'm in the garden? (1 Viewer)

I've got a pair of redstarts nesting in the wall of my barn. If they can see me walking in the garden they will not return to the nest but will wait on a nearby bush or tree and watch me until I leave the garden. Sometimes they perch on the entrance to the nest and watch me until I dissapear. When I'm in the garden I'm a good 30 feet away from their nest. Are all redstarts this cautious?

A lot of nesting birds exhibit this behavior. Even though you are providing a place for them to nest and providing food, you are still a "predator" that they concern themselves with.

Nice bird to have nesting in your back yard! All I can manage is a pair of Willie Wagtails out the back of my place...