Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: I was very excited a week ago when I saw a cardinal's nest in a gardenia bush right outside our kitchen window. She was on the nest almost anytime I looked during the next several days.  When lawn mower crew came, she left, then came back.  I was able to take several photos through the screen and looked forward to babies.

Two days ago she was gone when I checked (from my window) in the morning and has not returned.  I physically stayed away from the bush outside and even shut my blinds at night so I wouldn't disturb here.  I now wonder if night lights were something that kept her there.  Could that be possible?

Finally, today, figuring she would not be back I went out and peeked, on tiptoes, into the nest and saw one egg. Any thoughts on what would have had her leave? To my knowledge there are no predators in this gated community in Florida.

Lastly, if she does not come back (and I assume she won't), is it possible to save the nest and egg for one of our grandchildren to take to school in the Fall?  If so, any precautions to take in terms of disease?

Thank you so much, in advance, for your answers. We annually have been observing the nesting, birthing and growing stages of Wetlands birds - moorhens, gallinules, great blue herons and anhingas, among others, but this was a first for us in our own yard.  In my disappointment, I would greatly appreciate an answer to what might have happened (plus to the other questions.)

With great appreciaton,  Sheila

ANSWER: I have no specific idea why the bird abandoned the nest, but it does happen. Usually some sort of disturbance. It is technically illegal to take or possess a bird's nest or egg, but if you do so and take it right to the teacher, I think you could explain it to a wildlife official. (People illegally collect eggs and nests and feathers, hence the law.) In any case, there is little threat of any disease.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Roger.   I appreciate your rapdid response. Interesting, especially since the nest and egg were abandoned. So, if it's illegal, then it simply sits?

Would a wildlife official like to be informed of it and take it themselves?  I don't even know if any of the grandchildren would want it.

Answer
You would be very surprized to know of all the nests, eggs, birds, feathers, etc. that are taken illegally for decorations, table centerpieces, medicines, ceremonies, etc. That's why the law is there, not to go after you for taking an abandoned nest. I doubt whether a wildlife official would even bother with it, but it would be a nice gesture to check with them before you take it. However, you need to blow the egg clear before you give it to a school or it will rot and smell pretty badly.