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Question
Bob --
I cleaned out the blue bird nesting box, as you advised me to do -- I removed all of the nesting material, as well as the four dead babies. When I was doing that I wondered about something -- what happens to a hatchling that dies in the nest with it's otherwise healthy and thriving siblings? Does Mom remove the body from the nest? is the body cannibalizaed? just curious
Thank you, again, for your amazing insight and help!
When the babies are very small they can remove them. After that the one that dies is just trampled underfoot and after the others fledge you will find a dried out young one left in the nest. Please refresh my memory - do you have my free 20 page Bluebird book? After 2300 of them I don't remember all of the names. If not please send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net, and if you ever have more questions please use my email address - it is much simpler. Bluebird Bob Walshaw.
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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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