What to do??? Babie Robins!!!!!!!!

They are interesting, nest on the ground, act injured to draw predators away from the nest, little ones adapt quickly and look like adults, run just as fast and in their natural setting, you could take bets on finding the nest. They are well hidden, but right in the open. I decided I was up to the challenge, I watched the reaction of the adults, the closer I got the more they would carry on, it took several outings a few hours each to actually locate the nest with the eggs. This was a different field and they were in the middle of the tilled soil after it was planted, amazing how they can blend right in. They come back every year to the shale hill, and seem to be fixed on the location they use.

Can't recall how many of these I've raised, sometimes I find them running around the yard, the mothers are not very fearful and as long as they hear the little ones they will always return, don't worry about human scent, it's a myth as far as robins are concerned.

They grow quick, eat well, supposed to give them regurgitated food, hard to simulate, but the live worms deadened up a little works fine. If they are young and you can move the nest, she will most likely find them, if a little older or you wait a week and they can be heard, you can move the nest with no worry, feed em worms if you like, and she will most likely keep up the same routine, although she will be alarmed, so probably best to minimize your presence if you can, sometimes they get used to you, realizing you are not a predator, they are suprisingly smart.

You have to be worried about predators, so pick a spot with cover, blue jays, crows, hawks even snakes, it's been awhile since I've seen a nest close by, this year we have one in an apple tree right now and I bring em a treat once in awhile, they get used to you and are friendly, although it's best to leave wildlife alone, once in awhile I cheat and help out.

I raised 3 that were roaming my yard like chickens in a garbage can once, momma robin would fly in and out of the can in between my feedings, she was very dedicated and I have a few nice photos to remember, they grew up, and hung around for the entire summer. Eventually they could make it to the top of the can and when they looked mature, I placed them in a nearby tree, momma kept track of them still, but they were fine.

I constantly find wildlife here accidentally, I cleaned out a culvert pipe in December, found a frog in the clump of mud that plugged the pipe, I felt bad about it, so I picked up a small 5 gal. tank, set him up, fed him crickets for the last 5 months and he's ready for the race now, all his buddies are out where he came from, can't wait to let him go, I could have just cast him aside without a care, but that isn't like me.

I just found some voles in my garden, a week ago, well now I've got the whole family, the babies are weaned already and really amusing, and mom/pop are really friendly, they don't mind me or their accomodations, better off knowing where they are not infesting the house or being a pest like the mice really are, that's 7 that got a break from the traps. They are burrowers, but don't make a mess like moles, usually don't like nesting in the house anyways, just under things outside. Do have to be careful about ticks and bugs though.

Every year I'm raising something and finding a new home for them, have always enjoyed the native critters and try to be good to them whenever possible. Except for the mice that chew wires and wreak havoc in vehicles, they usally get trapped, they are the only pest so far.

Ya gotta wait at least a year until the little darlin's leave for their chosen Robin University.

Looks like the old armstrong shovel is in order for now. :>)

Allan