I am sad to report it seems Robin 1 has abandoned her completed nest. Neither Cleon nor I have seen her in 2 days. This does happen from time to time with all birds. Females will abandon their nests for various reasons. Sometimes they are young and skittish - also not focused. There are stories online most especially about Eastern Phoebes - one report being the same female built 8 nests under an eave on a building until finally choosing one to use for her eggs. Sometimes they just do not feel safe - this could have been the case here. Although this is a protected spot from wind and weather, it is also right in the middle of a lot of our activity. It all might have been too much for her. It also could be either she or her mate has died. I hope that has not happened.
The good news is Robin 2 is sitting tight on her nest - has been for 2 days. She is there for hours at a time so we are guessing the egg-laying has begun. She also witnesses much activity from us, but it does not seem to bother her at all. She just sits there and watches us. And we try not to get too close or make any abrupt moves.
The first photo is of the completed - and abandoned - nest of Robin 1. You can see the work that went into construction. The layers of material. We will continue to keep an eye on it as sometimes another bird will take it over. House Sparrows will do this - build right on top.
The second photo is robin 2 sitting quietly on her nest. We assume there is at least 1 egg and most likely 2. Average for robins is 3-4 but could be as many as 6. We will not know until we can count tiny heads!
I am sad to report it seems Robin 1 has abandoned her completed nest. Neither Cleon nor I have seen her in 2 days. This does happen from time to time with all birds. Females will abandon their nests for various reasons. Sometimes they are young and skittish - also not focused. There are stories online most especially about Eastern Phoebes - one report being the same female built 8 nests under an eave on a building until finally choosing one to use for her eggs. Sometimes they just do not feel safe - this could have been the case here. Although this is a protected spot from wind and weather, it is also right in the middle of a lot of our activity. It all might have been too much for her. It also could be either she or her mate has died. I hope that has not happened.
The good news is Robin 2 is sitting tight on her nest - has been for 2 days. She is there for hours at a time so we are guessing the egg-laying has begun. She also witnesses much activity from us, but it does not seem to bother her at all. She just sits there and watches us. And we try not to get too close or make any abrupt moves.
The first photo is of the completed - and abandoned - nest of Robin 1. You can see the work that went into construction. The layers of material. We will continue to keep an eye on it as sometimes another bird will take it over. House Sparrows will do this - build right on top.
The second photo is robin 2 sitting quietly on her nest. We assume there is at least 1 egg and most likely 2. Average for robins is 3-4 but could be as many as 6. We will not know until we can count tiny heads!
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