Birds in the hand

So I went out to get the mail and as I was walking back to our place, I saw something unusual hanging from the tree next to our patio.

Huh?  What’s this?

So I peeked in and what did I see?

Two baby birds huddled together, one of them had his little mouth open, and was chirping for food.  I felt so bad.  Kids, I know how to feed, baby birds, not so much.  I have nothing to offer them nor the know-how.

I thought those might be more eggs in the pail, but they’re just some small stones, presumably to keep the pail from swinging too much. 

I don’t know who found the nest and made this make-shift one for them but I have a sinking feeling about it.  Baby birds don’t last long without food.  It’s a gorgeous day and the patio door is open and I can hear them chirping periodically.  I’m hoping the mama comes back.  That she can come back.