Robin

Babies!

An American Robin mama made her nest on May 5 on top of the tire of Alex's (stationary/engine-less/immovable) '84 Monte Carlo. It's a great spot - I don't think there are any neighborhood cats around - it's is perfect for easy watching! So far mama has been getting used to us but will still fly away when we get too close. I don't exactly know when she laid her (3) eggs, but they hatched three days ago! Bella is in love and wants to see the babies whenever we are outside.

I forgot to take a picture of the pretty blue eggs, so I just had to draw them. And mama robin. It's a fascinating process to watch the nest and I want to post a little information.









I originally thought this was a Robin red-breast until I checked google, and found she's an American Robin.

Their nests are normally located 5-15 feet above the ground. The clutch is typically 3-5 eggs. "Robins usually lay four eggs and then stop. Like most birds, they lay one egg a day until their clutch is complete. If you remove one egg each day, some kinds of birds will keep laying for a long time, as if they can stop laying only when the clutch of eggs feels right underneath them."

Incubation period
12 - 14 days

Nestling period
13 - 14 days

Chicks
The chicks are fed worms, berries, and insects. Both parents will actually protect their young from dogs, cats, and humans by dive-bombing. (So far none of that with us!)

So our our timeline is...

May 1-2   Nest built & eggs laid (is it a one day process?)

May 15-16   Chicks hatch

May 29-30   Chicks are grown & fly away!