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Birding/hatching?
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Question
We have a camera in our bluebird house and know our last egg of five was laid on 04/16/2011. As of today (05/06) none have hatched. Mother was diligent in nesting all day until just the last few days. Now she only sits on the eggs at night. Father is still around and I see both parents in the yard daily. Is there any hope for this batch of eggs? Or do we need to clean out the nest for them to start again? Help!
Depending on the weather eggs should hatch in 12 to 14 days. Sometimes this can be delayed by intermittent incubating due to cold weather. Also sometimes eggs are infertile. I would wait one more week and then if they don't hatch remove the nest and destroy the eggs. Also if you don't already have my free 20 page Bluebird book please send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net. This will be used only to mail the book, and if this concerns you google Bluebird Bob Walshaw to see the work that I do. Also please use that email (which is also in the book) if you have questions in the future. And see page 19 as to why you should have 3 or 4 boxes. Good luck! Bluebird Bob.
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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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