Good afternoon! I have spent the morning planting flowers in my hanging pots on the deck. When I got to the very last one I was astonished to see that it contained a large bird! I believe it’s either a pigeon or a dove and she is nesting…I say “astonished” because this planter is in absolute full, all-day-long blasting sun and I’ve no idea why she’d have chosen this site when there are many trees very close by! I know very little about birds and their nesting habits but can’t think that this could be a good environment for the chicks; indeed a cursory google search has directed me to several articles that corroborate my fear. The question is: I know that if I move it, it must be moved just a few feet away if the mother is to rerun…so now I’m thinking I should leave it and try to fashion some sort of shade to place above it? And then there’s my doggy Molly whose predatory drive is very strong…so if a fledgling falls out…ugh! I’m now obsessing about those tiny babies baking alive. Any suggestions? TIA!
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Rehoming a Nest in Full Sun? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Marcylark
- Start date
I am aware that it is illegal to move a nest, and as I said, if I did move it, it would be just a few feet away. My goal is to prevent the chicks from baking alive in the relentless sun. Surely the legal repercussions of trying to save baby birds can’t be the only consideration.
Hi Mary your thoughts on trying to fashion something to provide sounds the most promising, if you can do this discreetly. Protection from the direct midday sun is the most important. Have the eggs hatched yet? I presume these are Mourning Doves? Inexperienced pairs can sure make some odd choices for their first nests. They learn in time LOL
I really advise you to contact a wildlife rescue/rehab for proper local advice though.
Regarding your cat, we have some advice in a sticky thread here, where you may get some hints. It covers both pets and unwanted visiting cats. CATS: Frequently Asked Questions
May I wish you a warm welcome on behalf of all the Staff and Moderators. I'm sure you will enjoy it here.
I really advise you to contact a wildlife rescue/rehab for proper local advice though.
Regarding your cat, we have some advice in a sticky thread here, where you may get some hints. It covers both pets and unwanted visiting cats. CATS: Frequently Asked Questions
May I wish you a warm welcome on behalf of all the Staff and Moderators. I'm sure you will enjoy it here.
Farnboro John
Well-known member
Birds like everything else need to learn about good nesting sites and poor ones. Allow nature to take its course.
Trying to assume responsibility where you have none leads inevitably to taking "ownership" thence to e.g. objecting to predation of "your birds" and demonisation of predators. Observe but do not interfere.
John
Trying to assume responsibility where you have none leads inevitably to taking "ownership" thence to e.g. objecting to predation of "your birds" and demonisation of predators. Observe but do not interfere.
John
Hi, Delia—-I appreciate your thoughtful response! In just one day I have learned some valuable information about the world of birds. As to the chicks - I don’t know whether they have hatched because I’ve not yet seen them. This planter is hanging about 6 feet from the ground so I must move it to the ground to work on the plantings. It was when I reached for the hanger to remove it that I got a quick glimpse of the mother bird. She’s not moved in 48 hours. I did call a local Wildlife Center and they advised what I’m hearing here: yes, the chicks will likely die. And yes, I should not touch the planter. Which I must say is absolutely awful news to me. 😢😢😢. I do have a cat but he’s an indoor fellow; I was referring to my dog Molly. I’ll just make sure she doesn’t linger on the deck until the mother flies away. Thanks again, Delia!
dantheman
Bah humbug
So the planter doesn't have plants in? Presumably they would have provided some shade/cover. I guess it's too late to plant some now! Sadly moving the nest will probably only result in a different set of problems.
If you can make some shade it will obviously have to be safe and sturdy enough (bit pointless if it falls on the nest in the first breeze) and not disturb the bird much whilst making it!
If you can make some shade it will obviously have to be safe and sturdy enough (bit pointless if it falls on the nest in the first breeze) and not disturb the bird much whilst making it!
You’re right, the planter was filled halfway with just soil from last year, and i discovered after peering from an upstairs window that she had added twigs and leaves to the top of that for the nest. But no - nothing to provide any coverage for eggs or chicks. Today was cloudless and the temp crept up past 90 so I finally decided to drape a sheet over the pagoda structure (securing it with clothespins), providing some protection while leaving 2 sides unobstructed so she could see things and come and go at will. She immediately flew off at which time I finally saw the eggs (there are two of them). She quickly returned and made several attempts to approach the nest, circling and hovering while we watched from an upstairs window. Unfortunately after 5-6 hours she has yet to return to the nest so it would appear that I gambled and lost. I’m going to remove the sheet and see what happens, as I have no idea whether the presence of the shade frightened her sufficiently to abandon it altogether. My two choices were to watch the eggs and perhaps the mother as well just bake in the sun…or try to help. Lesson learned. 😢😢😢
That's sad. I'm so sorry it didn't work out Mary.
Hi, Delia! Guess what - she DID come back!! I adjusted the drape of the sheet so she had a clearer path back in, and within the half hour she was back. She has hunkered down further into the planter and seems content now. There will still be a couple of hours daily during which she will definitely be in that full, direct sun but at least she’s here! Thank you so much for your advice and your concern! ❤️
Juliandbirds
New member
Same situation as Mary and doves nest, mother and eggs in bright sun in Christmas Cactus hanging pot.
Draped plastic tablecloth over the awning to cut the sun and hatchlings are almost ready to leave nest. Had to clean out under hanging pot as various wrought iron Garden articles and fence cluttered the area. Hoping for a successful launch soon. Not the best place to build their nest!
Draped plastic tablecloth over the awning to cut the sun and hatchlings are almost ready to leave nest. Had to clean out under hanging pot as various wrought iron Garden articles and fence cluttered the area. Hoping for a successful launch soon. Not the best place to build their nest!
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