Young Robins - demise

[northerner2]

Apologies if this is the wrong list for this question.
I watched the Robin build her nest, outside the kitchen window, and she sat, and sat.
They hatched, but overnight something got 'em.
Question:- discounting raccoons, which would have left broken honeysuckle branches, would a squirrel(s) attack, eat or carry off nestlings ? They had only nicely hatched maybe a day or so....
I cannot think what else would take them, but there was no debris, mess etc., so I think squirrel(s) but never knew them to be carnivorous.

T I A

[Whittam]

Strange there are no feathers around etc......  the mother would usually defend the chicks to the death depending on what attacked?  
My neighbor also had a nest of 4 robins....  they hatched and grew quickly...  seemed like about 2+ weeks and the 4 of them totally out grew the nest.  They were literally spilling over the sides.....  overnight all 4 must have tumbled out...  the next morning .... mother? was tending to only 1.  The other 3 had literally disappeared....  not trace of even a feather. Nature has a way of cleaning up!   Cheers Terry

[northerner2]

Thanks for your reply...
Well, first off, they had only just hatched, so no feathers, but there were no signs of a disturbance, and no, dare I say it, blood, no disturbed nest, no broken or upset branches, no nothing, nothing on the ground below...just an empty nest. Squirrels are pretty light on their feet, and I suspect, but don't know, that they would take young recently-hatched birds.
I saw what I think are the two Robins just this evening, so the next question is, "Will they have another go at making a nest?". I have read that sometimes they will make a second effort or even a second clutch, but in this case, I doubt they will return to the same nest.
Thanks again.

Thanks again,
Gerry

[Axeman]

Squirrels and other birds like crows, would eat them...I wouldn't discount the raccoon...they can be surprisingly dainty for their size.

Robins nest 2 sometimes 3 times in a summer but I've never seen them use the same nest twice.

I seem to be the only person who is amused by their scientific name....Turdus migratorius.

[Turtlebird]

Robins nest 2 sometimes 3 times in a summer but I've never seen them use the same nest twice.

Does this mean it is OK to remove the now-abandoned Robin nest from my deck?  The babies left a week ago and are flying around the neighborhood now.  House Sparrows seem to be hanging around the nest now and I'd rather they not use it......

[Axeman]

I think you can remove it...I've never seen even another specie use the old nest either...I have one that has survived its original use, empty, for 4 years now.

The only recycle nesters I see are tree swallows in nest boxes...although I'm sure there may be others...but robins ain't one.

[Halton Hills]

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As Axeman stated......could have been squirrels that took the chicks......they do in fact eat meat.

Could have been Coons or Crows as well......or even Blue Jays.

As for the nest......the Robins may re-use it......if they decide to.

I've had the same Robin re-use the same nest 3 times in one summer.

But, I would remove yours......who ever took the chicks now knows where it is......and will likely find any new hatchlings down the road.


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[Axeman]

It could also have been chipmunks...they're evil and responsible for a lot of the World's ills.

I like HH's reasoning....he's a wise man.


C'mon...there has to be one other person on this board that chuckles every time they think of Turdus migratorious...I can't be the only immature guy here.

[Anonymous]

Squirrels will also predate other squirrels - in downtown Toronto I saw a black squirrel take out a grey morph black squirrel...was definitely something that made passersby stop and stare.

Other potentials include grackles, racoons, skunks, garter snakes, porcupine.

Had a robin nest in a tree out in front of the house that got raided by a crow - adult robins tried to defend the nest to no avail...oh well, that's nature.

And I think the latin name is humourous.

[northerner2]

I seem to be the only person who is amused by their scientific name....Turdus migratorius.

It is a curious name given that many in the GTA don't migrate...

[northerner2]

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As Axeman stated......could have been squirrels that took the chicks......they do in fact eat meat.
Could have been Coons or Crows as well......or even Blue Jays.
As for the nest......the Robins may re-use it......if they decide to.
I've had the same Robin re-use the same nest 3 times in one summer.
But, I would remove yours......who ever took the chicks now knows where it is......and will likely find any new hatchlings down the road.
.

Reading all the comments, I think that in my location it is likely that pesky squirrels are responsible. The pair of Robins did send Blue Jays packing when she was sitting on eggs, but she must have left the nest either to eat, or been driven off by a squirrel.
There has been no activity (second clutch ?) at the nest and I will remove the nest. Interestingly, it took less than a week to construct so maybe they'll pick a safer spot next time.
I was looking forward to watching their progress.  :cry:

[Axeman]

They seem to like nesting near houses / people...I've had them nest in some very inconvenient places -- eg. a small topiary by our front door...so we had to abandon our front door for a month and a bit....I'm sure they'll select another spot near the original ill fated nest.

[northerner2]

Yes, indeed. We stopped using the patio door and patio while she was sitting, and moderated our use of the BBQ as well. All these sacrifices only to be thwarted by the aerial rats...

This brings to mind another observation about why robins seem averse to nesting in evergreens such as Blue or White Spruce trees, which squirrels seem to avoid. They seem to prefer deciduous shrubs. Anyone have any experience in THIS area ?

TIA
Gerry

[Halton Hills]

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I think it just depends on the local conditions as well as the personality of the Robin itself.

I've seen them nest in all kinds of locations from window sills to on top of machinery to pine trees.

I even remember a story of a family having an issue of a Robin building a nest right on top of the tire of their S.U.V. in the driveway.

As soon as they removed the nest to use the truck, the Robin would quickly rebuild it when they returned.

I've always provided a Robin shelf that's wall-mounted about a foot under a first floor soffet.......it has been used every year.

It ensures safety for the Robins and protects them from the elements.


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[northerner2]

No doubt that I could do something similar, although with the aerial rats around here, I am sure they'd climb the wall and raid it, too.
Certainly something to consider though.

Gerry T.