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Birding/Carolina Wren fledglings died in nest

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 6/20/2011


Question
Carolina Wrens nest every year at our house (the carport, the eaves, a folded beach chair, wherever). We watch them closely. This year, they nested in a hanging plant right next to the house. They hatched 12 days ago, so we were thinking they would fledge soon. The parents have been around the nest this morning, but not feeding, and when I looked in at the babies, they appear to be dead. The last two days, we had 4-8 people around for much of the day, in our swimming pool, which is close to the nest. Do you think our presence deterred the parents from feeding the babies and they starved? We feel awful. They were OK a couple of days ago and they don't look injured (although I have not removed the nest yet). Why would they die? Thanks.

Answer
Sorry about that. We often just don't know why baby birds die. Was there any pesticide spraying nearby? Parents can bring poisoned insects. Was it unusually hot? I don't believe your company caused it. Carolina Wrens are very tolerant of human activity. If the young are dead just remove the nest. They will probably nest again. Good luck! Bluebird Bob Walshaw. If you also have Bluebirds please contact me at walshaw1@cox.net

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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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