Three Nestling Robins Re-Nested

Three robin nestlings in their makeshift nest.

The return of three healthy robins to their wild parents was a collaborative effort between Peninsula Humane Society and WildRescue. It began yesterday morning - a very windy day in Brisbane. A concerned passerby noticed the young birds on the sidewalk beneath a large tree. Adult robins protested from the limbs above as the helpless babies were carefully gathered. 


Shortly thereafter, the chicks were admitted to PHS Wildlife Hospital. Once they'd been examined and deemed healthy, WildRescue received a call from Patrick Hogan, asking if we had anyone who could attempt a reunion.


Young wild birds stand the greatest chance of surviving as adults if they are raised by wild parents. From wild parents they learn where to forage, what to eat, they learn their song, social etiquette, they are shown what to fear, where to hide, and where to roost. These are all things essential to their survival... things they cannot receive in a rehabilitation setting. To do right by wild babies, every effort must be made to keep them in the wild. Thankfully, there is a growing trend to reunite, re-nest, and wild-foster healthy babies whenever possible.

While we assembled a response team, the babies remained in care
at the hospital, receiving regular feedings of a specialized diet.

One of our volunteers, Susan, was quick to respond to our call-out. Once on scene she made contact with the finder who directed her to the exact location the birds had been found. It wasn't long before Susan had scrounged up a tall-enough ladder and enlisted the help of her husband.

By 5:00 pm the nestlings were snuggled together in a large plastic bowl lined with pine needles and feathers plucked from a duster, secured to a limb of their Home tree. At 5:14, an adult robin was observed nearby. Minutes later, one of the parents was observed about 2 feet from the nest cup.

A HUGE Thank You to everyone 

involved in this re-nesting operation!

Here's a great off-site video.