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Sharing the greenhouse with a Robin

Discussion in 'Pets and Wildlife' started by Chuck-NH, Jul 3, 2017.

  1. Jul 3, 2017 #1
    Chuck-NH

    Chuck-NH Well-Known Member

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    We have a vent that we leave open all Summer in the greenhouse and a Robin found her way in and liked the real estate. This section of the greenhouse is separate from the Orchid growing area, but I do have my potting area and bins of media in this section. Well apparently she prefers NZ Sphagnum and tree fern fiber as her primary nesting material. I also noted quite a bit of live Spanish Moss in the nest, meaning somebody must have left the door open to the Orchid section one day...not me.

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    Kipper and weeand like this.
  2. Jul 3, 2017 #2
    CoveLady

    CoveLady Active Member

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    Chuck, She is no dummy, there is no rain in the greenhouse or predictors either.

    I have had a number of birds come in my vents before the shade cloth is put on. One time a hummingbird got in and could not get out. I had a double wall plastic hoop house at the time, it got in between the plastic layers on the end wall, I finally cut a hole and lifted it out with my hand. It was very exhausted so I put it's feet on the feeder foot rest and guided it's bill to the feed tube. It sat there for quite a while and then recovered, drank some liquid and flew away. It is awesome to hold a hummingbird in your hand.
     
  3. Jul 3, 2017 #3
    Chuck-NH

    Chuck-NH Well-Known Member

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    Good point...a smart bird! I occasionally have hummingbirds fly though the roof or side vents and have seen them in the Orchid blooms. One year had a particular pesky hummer that would follow me around chirping and trying to get into water. I had a watering wand that was particularly gentle and he just loved getting doused...wish I could have taken a video. He didn't come back the following year or maybe he just forgot to take his daily morning shower.
     
  4. Jul 3, 2017 #4
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    What a great addition to the greenhouse. We have large numbers of robins visit our area when certain fruits and berries are ripe but I think they nest at higher elevations here.

    I have a bluebird nest box near the door to my greenhouse and the second batch of the season are about to fledge. Fun to watch.
     
  5. Jul 3, 2017 #5
    CoveLady

    CoveLady Active Member

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    Kelly, you are lucky to have the bluebirds use you nest box. They come look mine over and leave. I have a lot of woods around me and I think they don't like being this close to them. It is an official bluebird house and out at the top of my very sunny rockgarden. Every year I get excited when they are looking it over but so far no takers.