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Birding/Robbin chickes taken away by ravins

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Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/18/2009


Question
Hello,
For the second year in a row robbins have nested in our yard in the country.  Last night we watched the robbin through binoculars feeding her young.  This morning we saw a large ravin fly in and take all the chicks from the nest.  We saw the same thing happen last year.  Its heart breaking to see.  Can we deter the ravins from coming by?  Will the robbins start aover again?  Magpies seem to also be bugging the robbins all the time.

Thank you.

Answer
This is perfectly normal. Crows, Ravens,Jays,Magpies and even Wrens feed on the chicks or eggs of other birds. They have to eat as well. The Robins might renest - they usually do. I know it seems sad, but it is nature's way and Ravens are a normal part of nature.

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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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