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Question
My son took 3 eggs out of a Cardinals nest today and I made him put them back right away (even though he has been told NEVER to touch them) and I would say it was within 2 minutes. Will the mother come back to the nest or did he ruin the chances of their hatching. I am beside myself with worry!
The belief that a mother will abandon her eggs if they've been touched by humans is actually a myth. If the delay was minimal, I see no reason why it would cause an issue. As long as the eggs didn't suffer any trauma or drop below a reasonable incubation temperature for more than a few minutes -everything should be fine.
Keep an eye on the nest and let me know what happens.
Julia
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Answers by Expert:
Julia 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. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.
Experience
I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.
Organizations
Audubon Society
Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.
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