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Birding/Nuthatch babies hatching in my attic

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Expert: - 4/21/2008


Question
I live in Richmond, Virginia and have just discovered a nuthatch nest in a grocery bag in my attic containing 5 eggs. Three have just hatched.  The mom flew out of the bag when I picked it up and I quickly put it down and left the attic.  Is there any way I can move this bag outdoors to a safe location?  Will the mother find it and continue her work?  I cannot have 6 birds flying around the attic, but I don't want to harm them. Thank you for your help!

Answer
It would be very unusual for a nuthatch to nest in a grocery bag in an atttic. In any case, when the eggs hatch,the young will find their way outside where the mother will take care of them. There will not be six birds flying around your attic - they will leave as soon as they can.

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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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