Nestling sparrow (1 Viewer)

[Steve1234]

Hi there is an empty ice cream tub on top of our shed and a sparrow is raising a baby in there but I’m worried that when it rains it will drown the baby. What should I do or just leave it to the parents

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

It is an offence to interfere with a nest which is being used. Do nothing and leave it to the parents.

 

[Steve1234]

You just don’t usually see sparrows nest like this. It’s ment to rain in a couple of days and the baby will drown. The parents are coming and going but it’s a tub and will fill with water

 

[Kits]

You asked the question. I gave the answer.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. Unfortunately, if you disturb the nest the parents might abandon it. There isn’t really a good answer.

 

[KC Foggin]

Can you try to put some holes in the bottom of the box? This way the water will drain.

 

[Kits]

That would be illegal against the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.

It is illegal to interfere with an active nest.

It is highly likely that would cause the nest to be abandoned.

 

[Fritz73]

Hola! Welcome to Birdforum

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

 

[hrv68]

Welcome to Birdforum

 

[delia todd]

Hi Steve and a warm welcome from me too.

This really is a tricky situation, as any disturbance risks the adults abandoning the nest, which I'm sure isn't really the result you would want. My best advice would be to observe it closely (the female may sit and brood the young which would provide some protection) but if the tub does, indeed, get filled with water you may have no choice probably. Be prepared and get the details of a local wildlife rescue who could take over.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.