House finches have left with eggs in nest (1 Viewer)

[Kaprall]

I am hopeful that you can help me do what is best for a pair of house finches that have nested under the eaves of our home, over the deck. There are 4 eggs in the nest and I have not seen her in the nest for the last 2 days although she was there 7/12.

As a bit of background: the couple had attempted to build their nest for about a week and we had tried to discourage them daily by pulling the nest material down, since we were expecting our grandchildren to visit. They are often noisily on the deck and we did not want this to interrupt her nesting. As the birds were very determined, we finally let them proceed, hoping they had gotten used to alot of activity on the deck and would not be too disturbed with our family's arrival.

Nest building started uninterrupted on 6/19. We were away from 6/25 to 7/2 and our company arrived 7/3. On 7/5 was the first time we actually checked the nest and that's when we saw the eggs (not sure how long they had been there). That's also the day that the grandchildren arrived and they were here until 7/8. We did notice her in the nest during that period but I cannot speak to times that she may have been scared away due to the children's noise and activity.

I had seen her on the nest regularly since the 8th and through yesterday, the 12th. I have not seen her there today, the 13th and have checked frequently although we were in and out so we may possibly have missed her. We checked the nest and the 4 eggs are still there.

I would so appreciate you help to determine:

1. Is there still a chance these eggs may hatch?

2. I understand that house finches often return to their old nests next time, is there anything we can do to encourage them to come back? We have no more visitors coming...

Thank you so much for your help.

Kathy



Sent from my Galaxy

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi Kathy and welcome to BF. I do want to let you know that if you are going to the nest often that will be one reason why the adult bird would leave the nest so you might want to stay away and possibly they'll come back. Bear in mind any movement around the nest will keep the adults away.

Please try that and do let us know if you see them come back to the nest but stay as far away from the nest that is possible. Fingers crossed and prayers said.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Kathy and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Unfortunately I think KC is right when she thinks you may have looked into the nest and scared them off.

Birds such as these soon get used to activity around the house, so I doubt very much your grandchildren would have been a concern. So there was no need to discourage them by destroying their early nest attempts which, I think in your State may be illegal.

If they come back, just let them get on with it and carry on with your normal activities outside. They'd soon be buzzing to and fro bringing food for the nestlings!

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing about the birds you see round you.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

Unfortunately by looking in the nest you may have caused the parents to abandon it.