Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a robins nest outside my window with 3 eggs in it.  Discovered it 7 days ago.  Mother bird has not been back since early this morning.  Has she abandoned her nest?  The male bird was here today guarding the nest but no sign of mama bird. Also, the nest is in our gutter, the rain drenched the nest 2 days ago, do you think the eggs will survive getting wet?  We cleaned the drains out so this won't happen again.

ANSWER: Robins usually lay 4 or more eggs and will not start incubation until they all the eggs, so if she has been gone with only 3 eggs, that's ok. She may lay more and then start incubation. The eggs might survive a minimal drenching if she has not started incubating. The eggs are much more sensitive after incubation has started. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your prompt response.  My concern is the mother bird has been sitting on the eggs for the last 3 or 4 days that I am aware of and I watch her leave the nest for only 10 minutes while the male bird stands guard.  It is 8:30pm and she has yet to return.  The gutter filled with water while she was laying on the nest 3 days ago, I happened to see her get up and fly off when her nest filled with water but the rain stopped and the nest drained within an hour and the male bird stayed until she returned.  She sat for another 2 days after this occurred and now there is no sign of her.  How long until you feel she may return?  Also, if this was the incubation process, are the eggs doomed?  Do we know if bird mourn if there is a loss?  Hoping she returns....

Answer
I have no idea if and when she might return. If the eggs get chilled for more than a few minutes - after incubation has started-, they will be no good and the mother will abandon them. There is no mouring involved - birds are not known to do that. Roger Lederer