6 replies to this topic

[Lisa M.]

On April 13, I noticed a chickadee going in and out of birdhouse that was hanging from a tree in my front yard. I also heard babies -something I hadn't heard before - so I figured they had just hatched. Today I noticed some dark feathers coming out of a small drainage hole at the bottom of the birdhouse. It's a small hole, but I'm worried that a baby might be stuck. Should I check to see if everything is okay in there? The parents are still going in and out and I still hear the babies. I'm just not sure why there are feathers coming out of that hole. I'm also worried that if I open the door, the babies might be big enough to hop out. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[fisherman1313]

The feathers you see sticking out through the drain hole are most likely part of the nest, many bird species line their nests with feathers for insulation. You can probably check the nest, though, without bothering the birds too much. The parents will just wait for you to leave and then resume feeding the chicks. And if any of the chicks should happen to hop out while you're doing your inspection, just pick them up and put them back. If you're worried about the parents abandonong the nest because they can smell your scent on the chicks, don't be. Most birds have a very weak sense of smell and the idea that a bird will abandon it's nest because it can smell a human is a myth.

[creeker]

It's probably best just to leave it alone.

[JimBob]

I agree with creeker. I once checked on a mourning dove nest and when I did all the babies (ready to) fledged!

[Lisa M.]

Thank you to those who responded. Upon closer inspection, and without disturbing the babies, I noticed that what was coming out of the hole was some fur and a few feathers (obviously nesting material). I guess I'm feeling a bit overprotective. I never thought something would take up residence in that house since it has remained empty since I got it about two years ago. I'm used to having birds nest in my yard but not in a birdhouse. Now I will have to wait and worry until they all leave the nest.

If anyone can give me some advice on when and how I should clean the birdhouse once it is empty (will they want to use it again right away?) I would appreciate that as well.

[fisherman1313]

Here are a couple of links you may find useful.

http://www.sialis.org/clean.htm

http://www.ehow.com/...nest-boxes.html

[EyesOnTheSky]

When I was about 14 I wanted to look into a Robins nest that had been built in our garage. It was too high for me to see in so I got a hand-held mirror and held it above the nest so I could see down into it. To my horror all the chicks popped straight up like a f'ing jack-n-the-box and most of them ended up on the ground. I ran inside to see if anyone could help me but when I came back all the chicks were gone. Not sure whatever happened to them.

I'm still mortified.