I would simply wrap a protective cover around the geranium itself and leave the basket hanging where it is.

But the birds are IN amongst the geranium, are they not? Will she be able to wrap the geranium without wrapping the birds? And if she manages to wrap it, how will the mother react? Hmm...

Mehearty, does the basket hang under the porch roof, or is it farther out and exposed? Can it be moved further under the roof, like next to the house wall? Would that be enough to protect the geraniums?

Is it possible to hang something over the basket from the roof (as opposed to laying it directly on the basket), possibly leaving a bit of access for the mother to get in and out?

I hope you figure this one out - for the sake of the geraniums and the birds!

:)
Dee

I'd leave it all alone and plan to replace the geranium at some future date on the off chance it really bites the dust.

I wouldn't be able to enjoy a plant, no matter how lovely, if it was responsible for the loss of a nest with eggs in it - and I don't think you can move or cover the nest without driving the mama bird away.

You might be able to take a cutting, and root that if the main plant gets nipped, but it would surprise me if the frost really gets the plant, being that it's hanging and the frost may be so marginal that it will probably only be right at ground level.

Quite a dilemma - my sympathies!

Thank you everyone! The good news is that my dh was able to lift our son up so he could take a look inside, and there are no eggs yet. ***phew***

It's under the roof but about 6 feet from the house and faces east. The nest is in the back, so it's protected. I was about to plant some annuals back there when that sweet little nest appeared. (awww)

The whole process is quick. About 2 weeks for the eggs to hatch and then another 2 weeks for the ugly little featherless baby vultures to turn into cute fledged baby robins. At the end you will be richer for having a front row seat to the process and your plant will be just fine in the end. What fun - enjoy!

I have the same problem, but I just take the nest down with the birds in it and water the geraniums around it.. It seems to help keep the babies cool in the hot weather as it is sitting up in the front of my place next to the hot siding and the heat is a bit intense. I have looked inside and they are growing and mama doesnt seem to mind either I guess. Meantime the foliage gives them more shade as well.

I'm so glad to hear that the little robins made it to adulthood and the geraniums are thriving. Thanks for the happy update!

(I notice you have a different screen name, but I assume you are the same person who started this thread.)

Aww. Thanks for the update - so glad this worked out so well!

No, I didnt start this thread, just did the last two posts before yours:)

My babies didn't fare so well. It was a fascinating journey watching mom tend the eggs. When the babies hatched, they were the sweetest, little pink things. We watched mom and dad feed the babies over 2 weeks. The babies would close their eyes to hide when we peeked in the nest. Awwwww. I know one fledged, but I fear something attacked the nest the night before the others were going to leave. =*( We hoped most got away safely.

The geranium looked pretty awful by the end of it, but it survived. =)