This Robin Family Turned an F-250 into a Wheely Good Nest

May 27, 2026 Update: We’re happy to announce that the robin family has left their nest atop the F-250 pickup. Dealership employees plan to keep their home in place for the time being to ensure the family is indeed ready to depart. 

Ford’s mighty F-Series Super Duty trucks don’t spend much time on dealer lots, but one particular 2026 F-250 King Ranch model will be staying at a dealership in Kansas for a couple more days as a family of robins has taken up residence atop one of the truck’s 34-inch tires. 

Dealership employees learned the nest could not be moved and have instead been watching the birds’ every move, documenting their growth on social media. 

Since the birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the employees at Olathe Ford Lincoln and the vehicle customer must wait until the robin family of hatchlings grows old enough to leave the nest, and the dealership, behind.  

Frankly, they wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“We’re truly a family environment and we welcome everyone with open arms whether they buy from us or not — and that doesn’t stop with people,” said Marketing Manager Sammi Dodson. The dealership also noted that the F-250's buyer was very understanding when they heard the birds needed to fledge first. 

Earlier this month, an employee at the Kansas City-area dealership spotted the mother bird building its nest on top one of the truck’s tires as he was photographing inventory. 

“We didn't really think much of it at first,” Dodson said. 

She and the team researched how to safely move the nest only to learn that federal law stipulates that the nest cannot be relocated. The robin proceeded to lay four blue eggs, which later hatched. Dodson named the babies Lugnut, Axle, Diesel, and Turbo, noting everyone at the dealership is too attached to move the birds anyway. The team is now checking on the birds daily, preparing for the family to leave the nest in the coming days as they learn to take flight. 

“We’re just playing the waiting game and watching them grow,” she said, noting the keys to the affected truck and the others around it have been locked away to prevent any accidental movement of vehicles. “It’s so exciting. We’re shocked at how fast they grow… it’s going to be sad to see them go.”

Olathe Ford Lincoln has grown from just 30 employees at its founding in 1973 to more than 300 employees today with sales of approximately 25,000 units per year, according to its website. The dealership was recently honored with its 20th consecutive President’s Award from Ford Motor Company, which recognizes excellence in customer experience.