A robin built a nest right on my patio light fixture last month

I first saw the start of it in early April, just a few twigs piled on top of the outdoor light by my back door. I left it alone, and within a week, a full nest was there with a robin sitting tight. It was wild to watch the whole process from my kitchen window. The parents took turns feeding the babies, and I could hear the little chirps every morning. They all flew off about three weeks later, and now the nest is just sitting there empty. I'm not sure if I should take it down now or leave it for next year. Has anyone had birds come back to use the same nest again?

3 comments

3 Comments

ninar688d ago

Actually, clear it out now to avoid mites.

laura_wilson8d ago

My mom always told me to clear out old nests so new birds would come, but a pair of wrens used the same one on my porch for two springs in a row. It turns out some birds do reuse them if they are still in good shape. I would leave it up there for now and see what happens next year. Cleaning it out in late winter is probably safer if you want to avoid any mites or mess.

blairm778d ago

Did your robins leave a huge mess underneath too? Mine came back to the same spot the next spring, so I'd just leave it.