Helping Hand?
Posted by Johanna Knaack on June 2, 2006
Q: we had cardinals nesting in a bush right off our deck, 3 eggs were in the nest, 2 hatched on May 30th, we gave them their privacy once in a while looking to see if third egg hatched. this morning June 2, the nest was empty, besides a predator, what else could have happened? we are heartbroken, tried so hard not to disturb them. thanks.
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: New Jersey
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Johanna, I'm sorry to say this but this has predator written all over it. When they all disappear like that it implies a mammal devoured them (i.e. cat, raccoon, gray fox, etc.). The good news is that if the parents survived they'll renest in a new place. When there is a traumatic experience like this they know to nest somewhere else.
Try not to judge the situation as good or bad, but nature taking its course. Good luck to you!
Jim Berry ( June 2, 2006)