AboutJulia Booth Expertise I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena.
Experience I have ten years birding experience in Southern California. I am well versed in all the species living in the Western US. Many hours spent birding. I have been frequently told I should lend my knowledge to good use, and have encountered few bird related questions that I cannot answer.
Organizations Audubon Society
Education/Credentials My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.
Expert: Julia Booth Date: 5/17/2008 Subject: wild finch
Question We went to dinner tonight 5 2 day old finch were in the nest. The mother always fly off while we come and go but returns as quickly. When we returned tonight 2 hours later all were gone without a trace. Looked on the ground all around but didn't see. Did the mother move them? Could they have been eaten? What is your educated guess. 4 children are very sad! thank you
Answer If you're positive that they only hatched two days ago, there is no way for the mother to move them.
If they were large enough to leave the nest, if even prematurely, they could have done so on their own.
Yes, they could have been eaten. It does happen. Depending on where you live -snake, lizard, possum, raccoon, cat, a larger bird etc.
Take a look inside the nest for signs of (gulp) carnage.
