Curiosity killed the cat

12 years ago

In this case, curiosity of others killed some birds:

A current danger to nesting birds, and one to which even the most well-meaning bird enthusiast may subject them, is unintended disturbance. The bird is a creature that normally evades its enemies by flying or running away. When incubating eggs or brooding young, the parent birds are tied to the nest. If a predator of some kind does attack, then it is better that the parent bird should survive and nest again; therefore, the bird generally leaves the nest to the attacker. Under natural conditions the predator that finds the nest will destroy it, and probably search the nest site again at a later time; therefore, it is safer if the bird does not return to the same nesting site. Unfortunately, the bird cannot discriminate between a harmful predator and an inquisitive human, so a clumsy inspection of a nest when a bird is sitting might cause the bird to desert the nest and its contents completely.

Birds are likely to desert in the early stages of laying and incubation. When the young songbirds are growing feathers but still within a few days of being ready to leave the nest, they may leave prematurely if the nest area is disturbed. In addition to this, the slightest disturbance of twigs, leaves or grass, necessary to see into a nest, may be sufficient to indicate, to a sharp-eyed predator, the presence of a previously hidden nest. Lastly, lingering near a nest may prevent the birds from returning and cause eggs and young to become fatally chilled or overheated.

If you like birds and nature, please stay away from nesting ares.

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