Expert: Ben Mackenzie - 7/14/2011

Question
Hi,
About 2 weeks ago two small birds built a nest in my flower basket outside of my window. I watered the basket twice, the mom flew away and then came back to lay on the eggs after an hour or two.
2 days ago a watered the basket again very lightly on the opposite side of the basket from the nest. The mother flew away and has not returned. I peeked in the nest and there are 3 small blue eggs. The mother is a dark blue or black with an orange beak and she is about 3  1/2 inches long. Do you think I caused her to abandon her nest? Or will she return?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi there,

If she has not returned to the nest in 24 hours,  I would say she probably wont return and the eggs won't live. Make sure she's not coming to the nest when your not around. If she doesn't return put the eggs in a shoebox filled with tissues and bring the eggs to your local wildlife rehabber or vet. There the eggs will get the best chance of survival. 

I hope this takes care of your concern. It is my pleasure to help you. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to contact me again. I will be more than happy to address your question. Thank you!

Have a nice day!

Sincerely,

Ben.