Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/7/2011

Question
Hello,
Every year a dove comes to our home and creates a nest and lays her eggs. This year was no different, however, on my way home today I noticed that the mother bird was laying dead in the street! I am so upset about it, and I know for a fact it was her because she hasn't been back to the nest all day. Is there any way I can help her eggs? Are they already dead? How long can they go without the warmth from their mother? Thank you!

Answer
If the mother had been incubating, and I say IF, then the eggs can only be left alone for an hour or two. If they cool too much, they will not develop properly or at all, If she was incubating and was not at the nest all day, then the eggs are most likely bad. If there was no incubation (do you know?), then they might be viable and you could take them to a wildlife rehab center. I suspect, however, that any attempt to hatch them would be futile. Thanks for your concern.