Wren pix attached...but ( I WAS AFRAID BUT WAS WRONG) some troubling news. Any birders out there?

[sybster1000]

http://s992.photobucket.com/albums/af48/sybster1000/

So early today I went and took 2 pix. Tried not to get close. Took the dogs out for a couple of hours... Then THEY WERE GONE!!! I was devastated. I looked for feathers/blood because there are cats around, not mine. No leaves messed up, no signs of (gasp) them being eaten. Looked to see if kicked out of nest so I could take to rescue center. Nothing!! So I see Daddy going in and out and giving warning sound. Then I see Mama up higher in the garage in the wall. I didn't take a picture and quickly left. I felt like enough damage had been done. So I went to Wild Bird's Unlimited. I said what Happened? Could they have moved the nest and babies? He said "No" They either left the nest because it was time or something got them. He said that birds don't move their young. I asked why the new nest then? He said that they have up to 4 broods a season and are probably starting a new one.....I'm just sick. I feel responsible somehow..he just smiled and said "Nature is harsh sometimes" Any insights? Any birders? Did they look big enough to leave? So sorry for this diatribe....

aNYHOW..i GO OUT TO MY GARAGE AND MOVED SOMETHING AND THE LITTLE GUYS STARTED FLUTTERING AROUND....NO WORRIES MATE!!!!! I JUST NEED TO STAY OUT OF IT FOR AWHILE!!

[northernlights]

1. they look like they may be fully fledged

but the pic is too small on my screen to see for sure. Do they have "quill" feathers on their wings and tails? As long as they are healthy, their parents will continue to care for them until they are able to care for themselves. Until they are fully flighted they will hide under whatever -- outside it would be under bushes and dense underbrush.

The important thing is to keep the dog and other predators away, and allow the parents free access to the garage.

(Note: I currently have 8 exotics, and have had as many as 36, some born and raised in my living room. I've also raised half a dozen+ orphaned wrens and other birds and was invited years ago to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitor by the Audobon Society).

[sybster1000]

2. They appear to be fine

I heard them fluttering about...and saw them on a top shelf. I saw cat prints on my car recently which is strange 'cuz I have no cat. So I placed a big rake to shield and lots of "sharp" little gardening tools where I thot a cat might jump. Would those tools be able to hurt the birds? They are flitting about a tad.

[northernlights]

3. they won't hurt the birds

but I doubt they'd keep a cat away. But if you don't have a cat, I wouldn't worry too much. And their parents will dive-bomb any cats that get too close.

[SheilaT]

4. I don't know anything about wrens,

but several years ago a couple of robins built a nest on our fence and raised a couple of babies. Robins leave the nest suddenly and never return. I got lucky and got to see them actually leave.