Posted by Elise Shurie on June 27, 2007

Q: I went to clean out the bluebird box, since the blue eggs that were there had disappeared a couple weeks ago, and so had the blue birds. After removing part of the nest, I discovered tucked way in the back, some small pink eggs. I put that section back in and left it. I saw an entry on your web page, and based on that, figured it was from a white-breasted nuthatch, which we have seen from time to time. However, I have not seen any of them since then and haven't seen any birds enter or exit the nest. That doessn't mean they're not, but I am worried that having removed part of, and disrupted the nest, they may have decided to abandon it?? I am worried about the eggs. Could you advise me before I go and try to look at it again? Can I incubate them if they are abandoned?

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Maryland

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: I don't think your inspection or cleaning procedure is cause for alarm. If a female is incubating those pink eggs, she will return and resume her duties. If incubation is indeed in progress, there will be very little activity around the box so it doesn't surprise me that you're not seeing anything going on there. I think to be on the safe side, I'd leave things alone and see what happens. If/When the babies hatch, there will be considerable activity around the nest and you'll know. Otherwise, sounds like the parents may have abandoned the nest. It's also possible that the pink eggs were in the nest first(!) and the Bluebirds elbowed the original nesters out. If that is the case, then those eggs will never hatch. Hope this helps you out. Thanks for writing.

John Wiessinger ( June 27, 2007)