Bird nest fallen to ground

[BirdNestDown]

DH was clearing one of our paths and accidentally knocked down a bird's nest. He popped it back up but it isn't sheltered anymore and my cat likes to sit about two metres from where the nest is now. Do I bring the birds in and look after them or leave them? I'm self employed so they can come to work with me

I'd leave them be: the parents will likely come back and it is no joke hand rearing baby songbirds - very unlikely to succeed.

I can't seem to be able to upload images . The parents have been back so hopefully they'll be ok but my cat does sit on the fence so close he won't miss them if they make a noise. They look about 8 days old and look like robins.

They're gorgeous! I do hope the parents come back. Can you attach something to the fence to keep your cat off it? A couple of little windmills maybe?

I have a little windmill but can get more tomorrow

You need to ring a wildlife rescue as it’s not sheltered and your cat will have it.

Or magpies or crows.

I've just googled the local animal rescue they open at 10:30 tomorrow. Shall I bring them in tonight. I have nothing to feed them but can dig up some of the garden for worms? A pet shop near work sells bait so can pick some up then

I've raised orphans before but never birds, I can take them to work with me and feed them every hour easily and maintain their heat the only day I wouldn't be able to do. Would this be better than a rescue?

Sorry but I think they’re probably going to die. If your cat doesn’t get them, something else probably will, and if something doesn’t get them I’d honestly be surprised if the parents come back to tend the nest - I was always taught (countryside childhood) in no circumstances to touch a birds nest as jt gives the adult a fright and they will likely abandon it. I’m really not sure about your idea of bringing them indoors, but definitely don’t do it just “for the night” - the parents will definitely abandon it then!!

Probably best to leave them now if the parents have been back, and see if you can take some cat prevention methods tomorrow. Think they will be too young for bait they eat regurgitated food.
Be wary of moving the nest too much again as birds can lose their nests, I think, if it doesn’t look the same.
Leave any more garden clearance until July!

Give your local wildlife rescue a call, they’ll be able to advise you.

Typically popping the nest back where it was will be fine, and the parents will come back to feed the young. However, if there is a real threat of a cat attack they may advise you to take the babies to them so that they can rear and release them.

Also, please do not attempt to feed them, it’s very easy for them to choke at that age or get an impacted crop.

So I went out last night, had a wiggle and moved some of the foliage from the other side and they're more covered now. Here they are all safe and sound. If you'd like more updates just let me know.

I think you have done what you can, do your best to hide the nest with some foliage and hope for the best.