Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/20/2008

Question
We noticed a Mockingbird nest in our bushes a couple of weeks ago. I've been taking pictures of the eggs, then the babies once they hatched from above, never touching them of course. My children and I have enjoyed watching this nature miracle so much. There were 4 eggs and 3 babies. I guess one did not hatch. 2 days ago we had a really bad storm. This morning I checked on them and to my horror, found 2 of the 3 dead. I was so upset. The one baby does not appear to be as lively as he was before. I've watched and the mother is still feeding and taking care of this one. My worry is the 2 dead ones in the nest. will they cause the survivor to get ill? He is 10 days old today. Should I try to remove the dead ones?

Answer
First, it is a myth that touching the nest, babies, or eggs will cause the parents to abandon the nest. Only disturbing them excessively will cause that. The storm apparently killed the two young and the remaining young is weaker for the same reason. If the mother is still feeding it, let nature take its course. All this is perfectly normal - there is a very high mortality rate among young birds. There is no need to remove the dead ones - the mother will deal with this in her own way.They will not harm the survivor.