Birding/Cardinal's eggs

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Expert: - 4/19/2008


Question
We found a cardinals nest in a bush in your front yard, which has 2 eggs.  How long does it take for the eggs to hatch?  We are also concerned that the mother will abandon the nest if we are around it much (watering flowers ect.).
Thanks!
Joanna

Answer
Cardinals usually lay 3-4 eggs and then start incubating. Then it will take 10-14 days before they hatch and another 10 days or so in the nest befor ethey jump out. Then they will be flightless but fed by the parents for another 10 days or so. If there is too much disturbance at any point, they might abandon the nest, yes. So disturb it as little as possible. Thanks for your concern.

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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