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Birding/Starling nest w/eggs

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/12/2009


Question

Eggs in wreath nest
A starling built her nest in my outdoor wreath. She laid four eggs. She sat on those eggs for at least 15/20 days before I left the house. That is our Florida house. My sister was to keep an eye on the nest and let me know when the babies hatched. I felt guilty abandoning them. She just informed me that the nest is empty with no sign of broken shells or attack. We've only been gone 7 days. Will a starling move her eggs? I'm so sad. There are bluejays and crows in a nearby tree. Would they have taken the eggs?

Answer
Probably a snake if the nest has not been disturbed. A Raccoon will usually tear up a nest. And you are very fortunate. The starling is an alien killer from Europe like the house sparrow, and they should be destroyed and never allowed to raise young. They kill millions of our native birds and are driving some of our species to extinction.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 5Clarity of Response = 3Politeness = 10
    CommentI'm sorry but there is no way that a snake could climb the side of the house where the nest is. If the starling is so hated, perhaps a neighbor took the eggs out when they saw us leave.


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Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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