What should one do with old nests?

[baby_bear]

Two house finches made a successful nest in my fake hanging plant on my porch last summer. They came back a few times this spring and checked out the nesting area again, but apparently decided to nest across the way from me. During the winter I shook out the leftover eggshells, but the nest itself seemed inextricably attached to the wood of the basket holding the fake plant. So I left it alone. Should I have removed it completely? I sure wanted them back this season and feel truly like an "empty nester."

I have another fake hanging plant in a basket in my house (I'm sorry; I just don't have a green thumb). Is it too late to put it out on the porch this year in hopes of attracting another family?

thanks
b_b

[Arkansas Granny]

1. It wouldn't hurt to try that. According to what I can find, they often

raise more than one brood per season.

http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/house-finch.html

[baby_bear]

2. Thanks, AR Granny

That's a great link. The male of the pair came back and visited me today (perched on the
hanging basket, chirping loudly at me), but he didn't stay long. I think maybe he doesn't
like the old nest, so I'll try hanging out the other basket and see what happens. I'll let
you know! I do think that last year, that it must have been their second nest since they
didn't begin until mid-June, so maybe I still have a chance.

cheers
b_b

[baby_bear]

3. An interesting tidbit from the web site you sent along

<snip>
During the mating season, males may be seen carrying sticks or other nesting material in their bills. As with most songbirds, they are monogamous.</snip>

<snip>After the young have fledged, the parents continue to feed the young. The female may find a new mate and raise another brood while the male continues to feed the young. </snip>

So, apparently only the males are monogamous. Last year, the female finch disappeared before the two fledglings left the nest. The male was around constantly, and I saw him lure each of the babies out of the nest one day, about four hours apart. It was thrilling. I always wondered what happened to the female.

b_b