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Birds--General/abandoned Mokingbird eggs

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Expert: - 7/21/2011


Question
Hi Roger, I have a mockingbird nest that has 3 eggs in it , and a very vigilant mother finally gave up on them, I am assuming they were not fertile; my question is, if I remove the eggs, will she lay new ones, or go elsewhere. Thank You.Nick

Answer
First, are you sure the mother Mockingbird gave up on them? She might have been eaten by a cat or something else. A vigilant mother won't give up on her eggs unless she has sat on them for weeks after they were supposed to hatch. She has no idea if they are fertile or not. I really can't tell you if she will lay more eggs or not. Best thing to do is let nature take its course and leave things be (don't remove the eggs.)

Birds--General

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all questions about WILD birds - not caged, domestic or poultry. Can answer questions about identification, taxonomy, behavior, courtship, plumage, flight, or anything else.

Experience

Taught ornithology (the study of birds) at the university level for 30 years. Have written five books on birds, published 30 scientific articles, write a blog on birds, have the website www.ornithology.com, lectured to hundreds of groups on birds,and have traveled to 90 countries studying birds.

Organizations
A variety of ornithological and conservation organizations.

Publications
Real Simple Magazine, Enterprise-Record, and several ornithological and ecological journals.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology with emphasis in ornithology.

Awards and Honors
Professional Achievement Award, Jack Rawlins Chair of Environmental Literach.

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