Robins nest

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Discussion

SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Have discovered a robins nest in here with eggs in this morning. Wondering now about watering the basket.

Dr Mike Oxgreen

4,101 posts

164 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Excellent!

That's not a bad choice of location. I can't see a cat getting up there.

I'd just water carefully around the nest, and hope the parents are chilled enough not to panic about you apparently attacking the nest.

NDA

21,494 posts

224 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Or just leave it well alone until they're done with it. smile

FourWheelDrift

88,382 posts

283 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Fine mist water spray over the leaves and let the water run down?

mrsshpub

901 posts

183 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Given that they've decided to build a nest right next to your front door (!), it seems that they are reasonably tolerant of human activities. Be as quiet/slow moving as you can when watering, so you don't startle them — I agree with the 'misting' suggestion.

Do you see the adults around much? If so, you might find that they appreciate offers of food — especially when the eggs hatch. 'Our' robins love cheese (supermarket value grated cheddar) & will take it off our hands, given a bit of patience.

SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
Thank you for the tips.
It was not a new basket but is now in its 3rd year. No sign of a nest when I fed and topped dressed earlier so I was very surprised to find it.
We do have quite a few robins close by and I have seen an adult one flying out.

Boosted LS1

21,167 posts

259 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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I wouldn't water it as I wouldn't want to risk the eggs getting wet or the nest soaking up water. I'd spray the leaves or just leave the plant alone altogether.

Dr Mike Oxgreen

4,101 posts

164 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
One way of watering that would work quite well is to use a plastic bottle. Make a very small hole in the lid, fill with water and place upside-down on the surface of the compost in the basket, perhaps balanced against the wall. It'll dribble water directly onto soil without disturbing the birdies.

irocfan

40,158 posts

189 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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and there's me thinking of this


ali_kat

31,988 posts

220 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
One way of watering that would work quite well is to use a plastic bottle. Make a very small hole in the lid, fill with water and place upside-down on the surface of the compost in the basket, perhaps balanced against the wall. It'll dribble water directly onto soil without disturbing the birdies.
Yep, cut the bottom off a bottle of Buxton or Evian 75cl water & put it in top down (top off wink)

Pour the water into it & it will drip through rather than soak it all smile

groucho

12,134 posts

245 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Yep, definitely leave the plant alone. It is only a plant after all. They may night like getting soaked every day and desert.

Mr GrimNasty

8,172 posts

169 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
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Kill it with fire.

(Where's a smiley when you need one.)

SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
One way of watering that would work quite well is to use a plastic bottle. Make a very small hole in the lid, fill with water and place upside-down on the surface of the compost in the basket, perhaps balanced against the wall. It'll dribble water directly onto soil without disturbing the birdies.
Maybe I will try this. They have chosen a nice warm place it being a south facing wall.;)

SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
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Pleased to say I have baby robins. Now to keep the cats away!

Dr Mike Oxgreen

4,101 posts

164 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
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Excellent! Keep us updated...

dmitsi

3,583 posts

219 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
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Get digging your garden up and make friends with the robins. I've been digging up loads for a new patio and as soon as I'm out there they're on the fence waiting for worms.

rolex

3,110 posts

257 months

Thursday 21st May 2015
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Do they shout, Put that light out! at night time?

SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Thursday 21st May 2015
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Fortunately it is not a sensor light, so is switched off. It is very tempting to switch it on and have a peek though.

SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
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SPR2

Original Poster:

3,182 posts

195 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
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