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Well one of these things is definitely not like the others..
Attachment 127987
Brown headed cowbird egg laid in a chipping sparrows nest.The cowbirds are brood parasites using other birds to raise their babies for them.When the cowbird chick hatches it will over crowd the other babies often pushing them out of the nest.
Evolutionary brilliance .. free daycare and room and board.
AL
Sounds so brutal when you say it out loud but damn mother nature you scary
The cow birds lay a beautiful egg, but I hate the things. Are you going to destroy the egg or let nature do what nature does?
Very interesting...kinda like some catfish species that sneak their eggs into mouth brooding cichlids spawns...so cool!
Cowbirds are considered native to CT and as such I can not harm them without a permit to do so. I have to let nature do its thing. Im torn of course by it. I admire their natural history and survival mechanisms but I am rather fond of the small chipping sparrows that have taken up residence in my yard.Quote:
Originally Posted by LizStreithorst
The odds are against them though as the blue Jays are actively searching for their nest now.. odds are neither chipping sparrows or cowbird eggs will make it.
Of interesting note. Its commonly thought tha the female cowbird lays her egg in the host nest and abandons it to the care of the host. I was surprised to see her return 2 days latter to check on her egg quickly.
Al
We have chipping sparrows here, they are soooo cute. I think I would have to remove the cowbird egg. I am currently feeding baby ducks that several mothers bring by daily for chicken scratch. About 20 ducklings in all. Will try for a pic.
Barb
You've told me about them on our phone chats. You tell it well so I can form a picture in my mind. Some real pictures would be wonderful. Please find time to take some and post them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Disgirl
I will keep trying. This morning when I went out to the front porch to feed one mama and her 5 babies, they ate the food then all went under the shrubs there and had a nap! It was so cute.
Al, do you have ducklings up your way? Any pics of them to share? Do you get Wood Ducks that far north? They are my favorite duck.
Barb
we do have ducklings and wood ducks here, but the wood ducks are too shy and rare, I have yet to see more than a glimpse..Quote:
Originally Posted by Disgirl
however... Mallards..no problemo...
here you go...
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...r-Barb-and-LIz