Robin built its nest high above concrete & mess (1 Viewer)

[Cutwolf]

4 babies in the nest right now. A bit worried because I know they don't successfully fly on their first attempt. Nest is ~12 feet above concrete and other garage stuff (boards, bikes, etc0.

Is it worth it to clear out the space below the robins and put something soft down? Or will they be alright?

I've attached a pic so you can see what I mean.

You can see the nest in the top right on the garage door sensor, above our disaster of a garage.

http://imgur.com/9xSNS

There's also another nest in the garage (we're popular this year). Some sort of small finch. It's not as high up as the robin nest, but it's in the far corner of the garage (close to the entrance of the house). They'd have a long way to go to get out of the garage and into the wild. They're also about 6' off the ground.

Thoughts on both?

 

[coal tit]

well for these american robins to nest where they have i think surely shows that nesting
places are at a minimum out doors.

 

[Cutwolf]

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.

They're nested in my garage...which is fine. The mom flies in and out of the wide open garage door easily enough. I'm more worried about the baby robins' first attempt at flight, and them either splatting into the concrete below or getting caught in the mess.

 

[Romafree]

Oh, I understand your worries!! Your robins are different to ours in looks but no idea if they vary in habit too.
At least they are out of the weather and safe where they are. I would be tempted to put something underneath the nest but no knowing which way the fledglings would jump I suppose? A trampoline would be good!
Seriously, maybe old mattress or carpeting etc? Really hope they remain safe.

 

[nickderry]

no need to worry, they won't go splat on the concrete - fledgling birds are very bouncy - just have a google for some things like barnacle geese whose chicks will often have to drop 200m from their nest on a cliff to land on the rocks below. I'd just leave the nest alone, clearing out under it will create a lot of disturbance and may result in the chicks leaving the nest prematurely and reduce their chances of survival.

 

[Gretchen]

well for these american robins to nest where they have i think surely shows that nesting
places are at a minimum out doors.

Yes, it doesn't seem like ideal circumstances, so perhaps there are not so many more natural sites around. It is good to see them adapting...

Agree too with Nick - no need to worry about what the fledglings land on - they won't get hurt, even if they don't flap their wings a bit (which I think they will). Hope all goes well!

 

[Cutwolf]

My secondary concern is about them falling into that mess below and getting caught up and/or not being able to climb out.

But I wouldn't want to cause problems for them by clearing it out either.

 

[KC Foggin]

What if you just cover "that mess" your words not mine with a tarp or a couple of large sheets and anchor down the corners

 

[HartleyHare]

What if you just cover "that mess" your words not mine with a tarp or a couple of large sheets and anchor down the corners

I was just about to suggest this - lol!