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Birding/Dead baby bird in nest
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Question
We have a nest of 3 sparrow babies at the top of a column under our deck...I just noticed one of the babies died and is still in the nest - the other 2 are still alive and sitting towards the back of the nest. The parents were attending to them regularly and all were fine as of 2 days ago...didn't want to disturb the nest but thought I should remove the dead one...they all have their feathers...not sure how old
Yes, remove the dead bird. When they die when they are tiny the parents remove them, but when they get bigger they are too heavy. I only hope that you are not raising the alien killer house sparrows. The male has a black patch on his chest. They are not really sparrows, but weaver finches, and our small native birds have no defense against their heavy finch bill. Please go to the library and consult a bird book if you do not have one.
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Answers by Expert:
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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