The last two years, the Juncos have chosen less than optimum spots for
nesting at our home. Last year, it was in a large hanging begonia basket,
which I watered without knowing it. I think that they abandoned that spot it
pre-egg laying. This year, they chose the bottom of a decorative wreath that
we have hanging in a covered deck/porch area. We sit out there all the
time, and use the door there to go outside and fill the bird bath and bubbler.

Once we realized that they were nesting there, we tried to minimize
our trips past the wreath, but would occasionally forget and be rewarded with
the stink eye from a female sitting on the eggs. Then one day last week
when there were no parents present, we peered into the nest. The eggs had
hatched! But no matter ... there were no birds to feed them or keep them warm.
The mother and father were gone. Haven't seen them since.

I felt horrible about it - somehow taking the blame upon myself - but
could I have local birds with some questionable nest-building DNA? I've
read on Tweeters of other Juncos nesting in difficult spots around humans and
animals, and they seem to do okay.

Looking for kind words and forgiveness ...

Pat in Newcastle