3-day old cardinals disappear from nest

11 years ago

Our Cardinals built a nest within coiled wiring we had hanging on a nail on the interior south wall of our garage. A cotton cord runs from north to south and is secured about 3-6 inches from the nest.

The nest appeared to be undisturbed, and we could find no signs of trauma in, near or below it.

We would appreciate any clues on how a predator could get to the nest and remove the hatchlings without leaving any signs of destruction.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

surya55_gw
11 years ago
I am so sorry to hear that. Blue Jays are nortorious nest robbers and they can get in just about anywhere. And they leave no tell tale signs that they've been there. I watched them do in a robin family while my back was turned. Grackles and Starlings can also do this. Please let us know if you find anything.

Nerry
brookw_gw
10 years ago
My guess would be that the hatchlings died and the parents disposed of them. I've seen this on numerous occasions--especially during a cold, wet spring. We once had a pair nesting in a yew right under our window. We watched them sit and hatch 4 nestlings. One week the weather turned, and the nestlings died. We watched as one of the parents picked up a dead chick and flew off. I guess that explains why occasionally you'll find a dead baby bird in the middle of nowhere. I think this has been a particularly tough spring. I've noticed more failed nesting attempts at our houses than usual.
Related Discussions
18 Days Old - crowded nest!
Q
Comments (3)
Thanks tom123. I received a reply post from ctnchpr who estimated them flying away at around 21 days...give or take a few days. You can see the pic when they were 8-9 days old on the link below. I also have pics from when they were just two tiny eggs and also 1-2 days after hatching. Precious little things. Just so happy they did not come to any harm from predators. Here is a link that might be useful: 8 - 9 Days Old
...See More
From 3 to 30, one day
Q
Comments (3)
Update: High 90's here again, and back to 3. Don't usually notice migrations til late Aug. Early fall?
...See More
Nest built then BB's disappeared??
Q
Comments (4)
If the HOSP has been nestbuilding, they probably have sent the bluebirds elsewhere. Just be glad the bluebirds have escaped with their lives. HOSP can kill. Visit the link below for ideas and hints if you want to discourage or remove HOSP. Other bluebirds might move in later, if you can control the HOSP problem. If your HOSP problem is severe (too many), or you are not willing to control them, maybe you could host a smaller species (chickadees, wrens, etc.) by reducing the entrance hole so that HOSP cannot enter. Whatever you decide, please do not host HOSP intentionally. BlueBars Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/hosp.htm
...See More
15 hrs a day for 21 straight days, Cardinal pecking at window
Q
Comments (16)
Carol, I was thinking the same thing but it needs to be a color that won't reflect which will be hard to do since it has to be on the inside. I'm going to look at my old placemat stash and see if I can use some. Or cardboard. Lynn, I'll make sure to tell you if the bird needs professional help. lol Jrb, are those little holes from the bird? My first thought is get a spray bottle and fix the nozzle in a stream, mixing water and some concoction that would taste bad on his beak. Mild hot sauce? lol Is it an every day thing?
...See More
dzyg
10 years ago
My guess would be crows, I have seen them stealing eggs from a Robins nest. They watch birds very closely during nesting season and will follow them to the nest.
Leilani Richardson
11 months ago
Same thing happened to a nest we were watching this year.

Related Stories

LIVING ROOMS Room of the Day: Time to Feather an Empty Nest

By Jess McBride

This stylish living room update reflects a couple’s new chapter in life

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES TGIR: The Case of the Disappearing TV

By Mary Jo Bowling

They Got It Right: If you can’t beat it, camouflage it. See how these designers made TV screens almost unnoticeable

Full Story

107

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

Full Story

ROOM OF THE DAY The Top 20 Rooms of the Day From 2015

By Bryan Anthony

We invite you to revisit your most beloved rooms over the past year

Full Story

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: See a Funky Beach Home Made From Old Streetcars

By Mitchell Parker

A bold color palette zaps life into a Santa Cruz, California, home built out of two streetcars from the early 1920s

Full Story

129

GARDENING FOR BIRDS What to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: From Detached Garage to First Solo Studio

By Houzz

Postcollege, a daughter stays close to the nest in a comfy pad her designer mom created from the family's garage

Full Story

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: A Laundry So Cheery, Wash Day Is Wonderful

By Fred Albert

Pretty paint and playful touches banish chore-day blahs in a laundry room designed for a magazine’s Idea House

Full Story

OUTBUILDINGS Birdie's Nest: Storybook Style Makes for a Marvelous Playhouse

By Becky Harris

Enter an adorable mini home with just enough room for tea parties, play cooking and snuggly story times

Full Story

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: A New York Blogger's Cozy Family Nest

By Vanessa Brunner

A Manhattan apartment for a young family with a toddler charms with creative arrangements, flea market scores and personal touches

Full Story

3-day old cardinals disappear from nest

Comments (4)

surya55_gw

brookw_gw

Related Discussions

dzyg

Leilani Richardson

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US