bird's nest conundrum

When I went to start my truck today I found that there's a bird's nest on the back, inside the spare tire. There was a couple of baby birds inside it, I couldn't tell exactly how many, maybe four. They were newborn, their chirps were almost inaudible. Anyway, I obviously needed to move the nest. If I just put it on the ground a predator would get the babies. I had to find a tree that I could put it in. I decided I'd climb this nearby tree and wedge the nest into it. Then I realized I couldn't climb it one-handed (while carrying the fragile nest in my other hand), so I had to go get a ladder. I finally got a ladder and set it up against the tree. When I got all the way to the top the ladder suddenly shifted and I thought I was gonna tumble to the ground but I grabbed the tree and steadied myself (of course my heart rate had just jumped to 300 bpm!). I wedged the nest into a spot where I don't think it'll blow away if there's a storm. Now I hope the mama bird will find the nest -- if not, the babies will starve to death in a few days. I'll check on it tomorrow.

When I was putting the ladder back I saw one of the biggest garder snakes I've ever seen.

When I finally got my truck out on the road, a big gray mouse leapt out from the back seat and jumped up under the dash board. That really freaked me out.

So anyway... if there's anyone here who has knowledge/experience with this type of bird nest situation, I wonder if the mother bird detects a human scent on the nest will she reject the baby birds? And if the mother bird never comes back, is it possible for me to feed the babies, maybe dig up some worms and try to feed them? I hope I won't have to, but I'm thinking of what I'll do just in case.

if you have some extra time research what kind of birds they are and see if you cant figure out how to feed them. Birds feed their young regurgitated food, so maybe some worm purree?? I'd bet a good vet could answer your questions in five minutes or less once you know what type of bird it is.

and if they do they usuially abandon the nest, eggs, babies, whatever the case may be, but since you only touched the nest im not quite sure what the case would be there.

i wouldnt try feed them yourself, let nature take it's course. besides, i donno if you would wanna eat the worms, then regurgitate them into the mouth of the babies (thats how they are fed due to the underdeveloped digestion system of the baby birds).

you may be able to find a way to feed them, but eventuially they are gonna need a bird to teach them how to do things... you cant teach em to fly, make a nest, ect... so eventuially youre going to lose this battle against nature.

-LK

...and they also have very few taste buds. (The sense of taste is related to the sense of smell.)

This is an old myth based on our mammalian way of thinking. I have handled baby birds, and most birders of any standing have had occasion to handle baby birds, and it does not distress the parents as long as you can place them in a safe place where the parents can see or hear them. Birds are strongly visual/auditory.

its just how i was taught... i was told never to handle a nest or bird because the parents will pick up your scent and abandon it... how was i to know? heh.

-LK

bring baby birds home, ya know.

So long as the nest is secured and won't blow away, and the babies are in earshot of mom, things will be just fine.

a store that specializes in Birds, someone there should be able to advise you. I had a similar problem with a nest and I called an exotic bird store and got good advice.

When a nest must be moved, to put it in a secure location nearby such as in a tree is the way to go. The babies were doomed anyway if a hungry garter snake was on the hunt in the truck, you have given them a chance.

Birds other than vultures and some exotics like kiwis have no sense of smell. The parent bird will find the babies by their cries and continue feeding them in most circumstances.
It is a myth that parent birds are disturbed by humans touching their babies. If they don't see it happen, they are not disturbed. If they do see it happen, depending on the species, they will either lay low until you are not watching or handling the nest, or they will attack. Mockingbirds and Blue Jays will definitely attack.

I suspect because of the location of the nest it's either Wrens or House Sparrows. Rehabbers won't take House Sparrows except as food for other birds as they are an introduced exotic. A rehabber might take Wrens.

But your best bet is to leave the new nest location alone so the parents can return.

I'm going to check on the nest tomorrow. I have a decent pair of binoculars, so I should be able to check it out without disturbing the birds.

that the 'human scent' deal is myth.

I'm the only bird friendly house on my block so I got all the swallows this year. The worst part is when one falls out of the nest. *sob* *sob*

But they sound like dolphins!

Birds are the BEST! I just wish I could get some vultures nesting in my yard.

david