Helping Hand?
Posted by Mark Miller on July 17, 2006
Q: I was pruning a bush by the back of our house and realized that I accidentally cut a branch that was holding a cardinal's nest. There are two babies (fairly recently hatched) in the nest. I placed the branch back best I could and placed some other branches back to help conceal it. Will the adults still come and try to feed the little ones?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: New York
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: That could happen to anyone. I think the chances of the adults continuing as though nothing is different, is excellent. Had you moved the nest very far, it might pose a problem but if it's quite close by, I think they'll simply continue feeding and caring for the young. I know your inclination will be to check on the wee ones often but try to keep your observations distant and infrequent. The less you hassle the adults, the better the chances of all going smoothly. Best of luck.
John Wiessinger ( July 17, 2006)