Cardinal nest on my deck (1 Viewer)

[Myrtle4]

Cardinals built a nest in the spokes of the umbrella on my deck in Charlotte NC. 3 eggs were in nest yesterday; 4 today. What can I do to help protect and nuture the baby birds when they hatch?? Deck umbrella is in the center of a wrought iron table. Deck is on second story of house. What kind of food should I make available? Anything else I should do, besides close the deck gate to keep people and dogs off the deck?

 

[Reuven_M]

No need to do anything but leave them alone, the parents can get plenty of food for the chicks.

 

[KC Foggin]

Yes, the best action you can take is no action at all. Too much interference and the parents may well abandon the nest.

Thanks for thinking enough about them to ask

 

[Myrtle4]

I'm taking your advice and doing nothing except watching from my kitchen window...very excited to see the babies have hatched. Have been watching mother and father bird bringing food, and sometimes see a baby's beak come up above the edge of the nest. Really enjoying the show.....

 

[KC Foggin]

Aw great! Thanks for the update

 

[Just Melanie]

I now have the same situation only the umbrella is free standing on a pool deck. Mom and Dad are vigilant and taking great care of them. But it’s a solid 6 foot drop to concrete. I’ve read mom makes a second nest. I’m worried about how they’ll get it it. See pic. (A tornado took part of our pool screen and she nested before we could fix it. We are now leaving it until they vacate. ) I did manage to sneak under there and put a sandbag on the bottom when I saw a heavy wind almost tip it.)