Baby birds in thunderstorm?

Question

Every year a Carolina wren builds a nest on our back porch and raises babies. This year she has four and they're out of the nest (used to be five) They're huddled up under the porch stairs in between some firewood. There's a large storm coming and where they are is where the gutter run off goes, easily 2in of water. I placed a cardboard box with some towels in it on a pile of mulch about 6in from the ground. If the babies start to get wet, will the mother move them into the box? Or should I move them myself? (touching a baby bird does NOT cause it to be rejected by it's mother, btw) I really don't want them to drown!

Answer 1

Usually, I strongly advise people to NOT touch baby birds.  This is one case where it might actually help.

Put them in the box, and put the box very near where you found them.  The mother will hopefully return, hear their cries, and feed them. (Wrens do not move their young like a cat does.  If they are too small to walk or fly, the parents can't move them.)

After that, leave them alone!

Answer 2

The best thing to do, if you have someone that knows how, is to add more gutter so the water runs in it and down to the ground, thus saving chicks and nest.

Home Depot and places like that sell it.

If you have a Father or Brother or male friend that's handy ask if they would help you.

Moving the nest may keep the parents from returning to the chicks. If there is a tree real close you might move the nest there and place back abit on a sturdy branch,, then with some luck the parents will hear the chicks  andreturn and care for the babies.

If you move the nest, be careful and hold the bottom so it doesn't fall apart with chicks in it.

Only other thought that I can think of is to use heavy plastic tyed to the spot the rain will pour into it and nail it to wood on the house and make the plastic curved and drag down to the ground to catch the water and keep off the nest.

Answer 3

Yes, you can move them. Bird dont like lots of water unless there i a bird bath. I wouldnt want them to drown eather. Are you sure mom is there. Make sure that you kep tham hidden from other preditors and such.