A pair of robins have set up home on my patio in some ivy, I don’t know what stage they have got to with nest building etc. as I don’t want to disturb them by nest hunting. They are both coming and going and the male is occasionally feeding the female. My question is, what can I do without disturbing them? I have two cats which I’ve now locked in, and will have to keep locked in I’m guessing until any young have fledged. Should I avoid the patio completely? My patio doors are my only access into my garden so I’m a bit stuck as I will still need to do gardening jobs. They seem to have set up home about 8ft from the doors. Can I do normal gardening chores close to the nest, such as lawn mowing etc? I’m scared they will abandon it.
Robins are one of the more tolerant species re nest disturbance, especially once they've committed to a site and have eggs or young. I am sure so long as you keep to and fro to a minimum, there won't be an issue. They just need to think their nest is undiscovered. Stuff like mowing is fine. Just need to avoid any ivy pruning or trying to take a peek.
Thank you, that’s very reassuring! I’m enjoying watching them (from afar!), really hope they have a successful brood.
I agree that they must have felt comfortable having you around or they wouldn't have chosen such a nearby nest site ... do let us know if you see any youngsters in your garden?
2013 photos & vids here
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Will do! I’ll try to get some photos if so. I’ve taken some hideously blurry zoomed in phone photos of the adult pair, but it’s a bit like Where’s Wally trying to spot them in those!
I see them, thanks!