I had a very busy Tuesday, and so didn’t get a chance to post the picture I took yesterday morning. As you can see, the robin’s nest is deeper, denser, and sturdier. Mama Robin worked constantly, tucking herself deeper into the nest, and it looked like she was working the bottom of her new nest with the bottom of her feet. Once when she popped up to look around for enemies (probably wondering if the big human creature on the other side of that glass was one!), she actually had mud stuck on the end of her beak.
Today, I have seen no sign of her at all, and I don’t know what that means. Is she letting the nest “cure” a bit? Not sure. I know very little about the avian species. I’m just fascinated and awed by what this tiny creature accomplished in less than 36 hours.
I do hope an errant four footed feline did not have her for breakfast or lunch. . .
From my mother’s Birds of America. They describe the nest exactly as your mother robin has built. Except she will line it with soft grass, and the nest may be placed near the ground. She will build anywhere; on suitable projections of houses, within or out of a barn, sheds, and other outbuildings. It does say however if she sees a cat especially if there is a young robin in the nest, she makes a peculiar, wailing cry, in sort of an undertone, and expresses both fear and sorrow. This sound may be evoked by other enemies, but usually it is directed to a cat. Not to worry about the bird however, she can take care of herself and her youngin’s. She dive bombs the cat pecking it on the head. There is no mention about being away from the nest while under construction. She’ll be back. Maybe she’s waiting for your grass to be cut. She’s a good steward isn’t she?
Sue