Hi, we have built a small extension that, until today, had no windows. The windows are now in and after they were fitted we noticed a female blackbird sitting on her nest in the roofspace. There is still a way out of the extension as there is no door on yet but I don't know if the blackbird will realise this as she has probably used the previously open window space before. She has been sitting there all day and I'm worried she is going to stay there protecting her eggs (if there are any) and not be able to get out or her male partner get in to feed her. Is there anything we can do or should we just leave her alone?
Many thanks for any advice
Siobhan
Hi Sogpim,
Birds are pretty versatile when it comes to raising a family and tend to overcome most unforseen obstacles. As long as you leave some kind of access to the nest, I reckon that the parents will find it and be able to negotiate the new environment whilst they raise their young.
Being cheeky - if the door space is the only access point left to them, could I ask that you leave off fitting the actual door until the young have fledged?
Corriepaw.
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it - Jules Renard
Hi Siobhan and welcome to the RSPB Forum. Enjoy yourself here
I think my own answer to your question is leave well alone!
Just make sure that there an access point of some type, and that is all the Blackbird needs.
Interferring with a bird while nesting caused them to abandon their nests and therefore their chicks suffer. It stresses the parent bird and that is not so good. It is an offence to interfer with nesting birds
Just let mother nature do what come naturally, and watch at a distance.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thank you very much for all the advice and for sending it so quickly. I am reassured that the blackbird will cope if I just leave her alone. We are going to leave the windows open and not fit the new door until she and her chicks have flown the nest. Fingers crossed they will all do okay despite the strange environment!
Thanks again everyone