are birds still nesting/rearing young?

[delilahw]

I disturbed a nest yesterday while untangling some climbers on a pergola. Could be robins. Couldn't reach it to see if any eggs/chicks. Ashamed of my ignorance - but will the nest still be in use at this time of year and will the owners return despite my intrusion? Also, should I leave it where it is for use next year?

[WendyS]

This is the height of the nesting season delilah but the nest is very likely to be in current use, either with eggs waiting to be hatched, or with very tiny chicks. I'd be tempted to leave well alone and many birds often rear a second brood if environmental conditions are favourable, or if the bird brood is destroyed. Hopefully if there are no more disturbances to the nest site everything will continue as previously. I'd be tempted to leave it until autumn before you do any more disengangling, if you can bear to leave things as they are. Hope you see some baby birds soon.

[meltoadhall]

in my neck of the woods they are still building nests. we see them flying with twigs and things.

the birds may well come back to the nest year after year depending on the type of bird.

[delilahw]

Thanks Wendy. Feeling very guilty as the two robins are chittering angrily around the garden as I write and seem reluctant to go near the nest. I think I might cover it up a bit tomorrow with some greenery to give them more protection. Lesson learned for next year.

[hammerman]

Due to the long cold winter and spring. nesting has only just started. Saw some sparrows today with lots of nest material in their beaks.

[Cetti]

Don't feel bad delilahw, you weren't to know about the nest and it's not as though you did it on purpose.

If it did belong to a Robin expect a good ticking off as they are notoriously crotchety birds, but the good news is that they nest between April and September - and also have two broods. To make you feel even better get some mealworms....as a peace offering ;-)

[delilahw]

Thanks to all for your kind responses. I'll get over it - hope the robins will too! Will definitely get mealworms to compensate.

[shivvy]

If you are thinking of peace offerings delilah, boiled potato is good. My robins just love it!! Mind you so do the blackbirds, and the sparrowsl!