Posted by Dee Dee S. on June 15, 2006

Q: A sparrow built a nest under our backyard patio cover about 1 month ago. I hadn't noticed any babies until today when I saw 3 little heads pecking out! Since this nest is about 6 feet from our back door, there is a lot motion with people going in and out of the house. Sometimes the Mom doesn't fly away and sometimes she does. Well, yesterday (before I even noticed the babies) I realized that I hadn't seen the Mom in a while and wondered if she had left the nest for good. Then today I see the babies and now I'm worried she isn't coming back. Is that a possiblity? Or do they spend the day else where sometimes? They have a little bit of feathers on their heads which are about the size of dimes! We're in California and it is in the 90's today and they have their little mouths open I noticed. Thank you!

State: California

A: Dee Dee, My advice is to let nature takes its course. Not knowing what species you're observing it's hard to tell what the parents normally do. But, from your description it's pretty safe to assume the bird is comfortable around people so I wouldn't be too concerned. Even if the worst has happened, it's highly unlikely that the birds could be successfully raised and released by humans.

Many parent birds don't stay close to the nest unless they're feeding the young. You're probably observing something very normal. Good luck!

Jim Berry ( June 16, 2006)