Hello, all! My name is Sarah, and I live in the Pacific Northwest. I wasn't sure where to ask this question, but this seems like a good place. Help! There is a robin building a nest RIGHT NOW in the eaves of our second-story porch. Normally, I would be THRILLED and would look forward to watching the progression, waiting for the eggs to be laid and the hatchings to happen, etc. We haven't had a robin's nest on our porch in the 5 years we've been here, so this would be very exciting. Except...in about a week we will be having some construction happening in and around our porch. Lots of noise, dust, etc. Most of the activity will be happening on the ground below, but some will be up at the porch level (new railings being installed, new stair being built). Nothing at the eaves themselves, but I worry all of this activity would not be good for newly laid eggs and the safety of hatchlings. Additionally, could the robins show aggression toward anyone who might be in the area after the eggs are laid or the hatchlings are present?
I understand from reading that it takes a few days for the robins to ready the nest before the eggs are laid (there are actually several nests being built, spaced at every eave; I believe I read these might be decoy nests, as we do have a lot of crow activity in the area). I also read that it might be a crime to move the nest after there are eggs in it (and I can completely understand why, as the parents might abandon it).
What can I do?? I believe if we intend to move (or, forgive this word, destroy) the nest, now is the time to do it. These nests were literally not here yesterday, so they've only started building them late yesterday and/or overnight. They're busy building this morning. So, I believe there are no eggs present. Should I take action now? Can I deter them from coming back? This saddens me so to think about doing this, but I would be so much sadder if harm came to young hatchlings, or the parents flew off and didn't return for some reason after the eggs were laid.
Help! Any advise would be much appreciated!
Sarah
I understand from reading that it takes a few days for the robins to ready the nest before the eggs are laid (there are actually several nests being built, spaced at every eave; I believe I read these might be decoy nests, as we do have a lot of crow activity in the area). I also read that it might be a crime to move the nest after there are eggs in it (and I can completely understand why, as the parents might abandon it).
What can I do?? I believe if we intend to move (or, forgive this word, destroy) the nest, now is the time to do it. These nests were literally not here yesterday, so they've only started building them late yesterday and/or overnight. They're busy building this morning. So, I believe there are no eggs present. Should I take action now? Can I deter them from coming back? This saddens me so to think about doing this, but I would be so much sadder if harm came to young hatchlings, or the parents flew off and didn't return for some reason after the eggs were laid.
Help! Any advise would be much appreciated!
Sarah
