Posted by Laura Swope on May 8, 2008

Q: My husband and I just returned from our week long honeymoon to find a birds nest had been made on our patio umbrella. The birds have been visiting for the past 4 days, and alot more frequently today, Thursday. I didn't notice anything early this morning, but by late morning I spotted a tiny blue egg on the railing of our deck, about 8 feet away from the nest. I'm not sure how it got there, but I'd like to do something to help get it back in the nest. I read a previous question that said to leave eggs where they are unless you can get them back in their nest. But I also heard from a friend that if you touch an egg the mother bird won't take care of it because of the human scent on it. I just wanted to know if I should attempt to put the egg back in the nest or just leave it alone. I'd like to help the egg but I also don't want to be attacked by it's mother! Haha! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

~Laura

Front Royal, VA

State: Virginia

A: It's amazing that the myth about not touching a bird's egg or nest is known by just about EVERYONE. It's just a myth. If you can put the egg back in the nest, give it a try. But the less disturbance the better. Sounds like a Robin's egg - don't worry, she won't attack you!! Thanks for caring.

John Wiessinger ( May 8, 2008)