I had an old nest box which I took down from a tree in the winter as we needed to remove the tree. We left the box on our potting table in the garden with the idea that we would put it back up in the spring. unfortunately robins have nested in the box while it is still on the table. I am worried it’s not safe as cats or squirrels can easily reach the table. Am I able to move the box? Thanks
Hello Annie, I am afraid now that the nest box has a nest in it, it is a live next and can not be moved. They have not just been roosting in it? It is illegal to touch or interfere with a nest once it has been started, they would abandon it, if you moved it. Afraid nature will take its course.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Hi Annie and welcome to the forum ... it is against the law (Wildlife Act 1981) to interfere with an active nest, it could cause them to abandon it... such a conundrum when you have found it in an unsafe position ... a link containing guidance ...
www.rspca.org.uk/.../moving
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Pardon me if it is wrong to add a question to this thread but it seems pertinent.
If a nest has been abandoned ie built 4 weeks ago but not visited since, is it OK to empty it out and hope that the robins will come back for another try?
Robins can and do reuse nests. Far more likely to do so if it's still there. Nests shouldn't be touched until end of breeding season.
OK. Thanks.