Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/20/2010

Question
I had two house finch nests with eggs in them, and both sets of birds abandoned their eggs (about a week apart).  Why would they do this? And, should I get rid of the eggs?

Thank you

Answer
I can't say specifically why they abandoned their nests as there are several possible reasons.
1) Disturbance by people, dogs, cats, or whatever.
2) Predator - dog, cat, jay, opossum, squirrel, etc.
3) Food sources - might be scarce or there might be competition from other birds.
4) Weather - too hot or too cold or rainy, etc.

It is not unusual for birds to abandon the first nest of the season, especially for birds that have not nested before.

Don't get rid of the eggs until you are absolutely sure they have been abandoned. Sometimes the parents will come back. There is no harm in leaving them there for awhile.

You are welcome