American Robin's Backyard Nest

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center staffers are not immune to the "wow factor" of a backyard wildlife encounter. I recently discovered an American Robin nesting right outside the window of my family's Westside suburban home. I carefully snapped a few photos of "mom" on her beautifully crafted nest through the blinds and consulted our expert wildlife staff for advice.

Robins will often nest low to the ground, sometimes just in shrubs, so it was no surprise to Wildlife Specialist Amy LeMonds that "my" Robin's nest is at eye level. She also told me that the four blue eggs I spotted from a second floor window is the average number in Robin's clutch. Amy says the mother bird should incubate the eggs for 12 - 14 days and both mom and dad will care for the young once they hatch.

The birds fledge (leave) the nest another 12 - 14 days after hatching. The Fledglings then spend a few days on the ground until they learn to fly. According to Amy, dad will often continue to care for young fledglings while mom incubates another nest. But until they're flighted, I plan to pay special attention to my two Golden Retrievers' activity in our fenced backyard.

I worry that the nesting location is not ideal or safe, but Amy reminds me (and you) that we should never interfere with a nest like this. In fact, with most species of birds, everything is protected by law, the bird, the nest, the egg-- even the feathers!-- so it would be illegal to interfere. So, I'm planning to sit back, keep my dogs on a very short leash and enjoy Mother Nature's show! Check back. I'll keep you posted.

-Shawn Salamone, Community Relations Coordinator