I hasten to say I've never been a birder and never aspired to become one, but a pair of house finches have adopted me and I feel a great sense of responsibility. I live on the 23rd floor of a east-facing condo in downtown Toronto, Canada and a pair are nesting in a garden basket. Yesterday, I heard the female sounding quite aggitated and, sure enough, there was an egg. This morning, she laid a second one. What should I do, or not do? I remember I was told as a child never to touch an egg, and I leave them alone when they're in residence. But what happens when it gets warm and I start spring cleaning on the balcony? And what when it gets really hot and we start eating outside? Will they become tame? How long does it take from the laying of the egg to the hatching, and how long from the hatching to the little ones becoming independent? It's very exciting being about 6 ft. from the action, and they don't seem to mind our moving around inside the condo and watching them. Our windows cover the entire 17 ft. balcony. Nor do they start when I open the door to hear him sing. But what now? Should I start putting out seed or just mind my own business. All advice most welcome. Cheers from the great lone land.
