A robin's nest built on the tire of a Ford F-250 has delayed the sale of the vehicle at a Kansas dealership, drawing attention to a federal wildlife protection law. The Olathe Ford Lincoln dealership discovered the nest on the truck's tire several weeks ago, and the bird laid four blue eggs. The eggs have since hatched, and the mother robin is caring for the chicks.
Protected by Law
The nest is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits the removal of active nests. As a result, the customer who purchased the truck cannot take delivery until the birds leave the nest naturally. The dealership praised the buyers for their patience and understanding.
Dealership's Response
Olathe Ford Lincoln shared the story on Facebook, where it went viral. Employees named the chicks Lugnut, Turbo, Diesel, and Axel. In a humorous video, the dealership joked that the birds chose the location for its "strong values and minimal hawk traffic."
Operation Wildlife, a local nonprofit, provided guidance. The dealership noted that other animals, like cats and opossums, have also been found in vehicles on their lot.
