First visit to GardenStew? Learn more Already a member? -> Sign in     Not a member yet? -> Register

You are in Forums > Flower Gardening >

Bird's nest in my hanging basket!!! Question....



To hide these ads please register / sign in




tracydanger

Posts: 6
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:04 pm   Post subject: Bird's nest in my hanging basket!!! Question....


I noticed the other day that just one of my hanging baskets with Million Bells appears to be doing poorly as compared with the other. I have treated them both the same w/watering, etc. I suspected that there was a nest in one of them, but last night when I took them down before a storm I found the nest with four little eggs in it! The belong to the little wren that has been "hiding" in there and scaring me to death every time I walk out to the porch!

My question is: do you think the nest or perhaps the bird droppings are affecting the flowers? They just are starting to look a little less brillant (red to now a peachy/drab red) and perhaps they are on their way to dying. I don't have the heart to move the nest as a friend suggested, but that basket wasn't cheap!

Any suggestions or experience with this?




To hide these ads please register / sign in
Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden



Droopy


Regular Plants Contributor

Western Norway
Posts: 9272
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:06 pm   Post subject:


The only person I know of who got a nest in a basket just let them be. She said that the blooms were only for one year, but the birds would be there for several years, and imagine the amount of bugs they would be eating! Sorry I can't advice you.


_________________
The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
-Bertrand Russell
Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden | My Blog



eileen


Forum Moderator

Scotland
Posts: 18013
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 12:36 am   Post subject:


We've had nests in hanging baskets and I simply leave them alone. It won't be long before the eggs hatch. The young will only be in the nest for approx three weeks so even if they do affect your plants the good they'll all do by eating bugs will be well worth it. Stew Face 2


_________________
Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden | My Blog



CritterPainter

Washington State
Posts: 1424
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:09 am   Post subject:


I agree with Eileen. But one concern, do keep an eye on the nest, the parents might abandon it now that it's been disturbed.
Once it's done it's job, the little nest could make a lovely addition to an outdoor display, if it's one that can be removed from the basket.


_________________
Mary
I have a mind like a steel...sieve
Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden | My Blog



glendann

Texas
Posts: 9228
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:15 am   Post subject:


Jubabe has one every year in her Hoya hanging on her porch.They have hatched already this year and flew away.She loves it.


_________________


'Life is not measured by the breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.'
Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden | My Blog



tschnath

Southern Maine (zone 5)
Posts: 704
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:15 am   Post subject:


I would leave it alone, the flowers can always be replaced later, but little birdies are there and they will eat your bugs. Keep us posted and see if you can get pics for us.


_________________
Everything has it's beauty, but not everyone sees it. ~author unknown


Terry Smile
Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden | My Blog



Wrennie

Catskill Mountains NY
Posts: 645
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 12:57 pm   Post subject:


The droppings are fertilizing the basket.
If you live in the US you need to know all wild bird nests are federally protected and you should not disturb it.

Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden



Bluebirdie

Northwest Louisiana
Posts: 78
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:59 pm   Post subject:


A Carolina Wren built a nest in a hanging basket of pansies I had on my back porch earlier this spring. After the eggs hatched the flowers took somewhat of a beating with both parents coming and going, feeding the young. It was definitely worth it though! I could go right up to the basket and peek in at the babies. I don't know what would be affecting the color of your Million Bells at this point. I don't think the pansies were affected that way. I hope you are able to enjoy the birds and your flowers! Here are some pics of my little friend.



Back to top
Profile | PM | My Garden

To hide these ads
please register / sign in


Hi visitor! Need to ask a question? Sign up for free today.



Ways to share this page (copy and paste codes):
Simple link:
Forums:
HTML:


You are in Forums > Flower Gardening




     Sponsored Links