Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Empty nests: Where have all the birdies gone?, 0 by critterologist

critterologist wrote:
Well, I couldn't stand the suspense and checked the nest more closely to see if it was just 1 hatched chick with the other 4 eggs still under it (I think cowbirds often hatch a little sooner than others, increasing their chance of getting the lion's share of parental attention). Sadly, there were NO other eggs in the nest, probably the doing of that chick. I think that confirms it... my carolina wrens have been stuck with a changeling, at the total expense of their other offspring.

If the cowbird chick were to "disappear," I'm thinking the wrens would have plenty of time to lay another clutch in that nest, assuming they are not too alarmed by the event. Legally, I'm "supposed to" let nature take its course (cowbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird act), but these are "my" wrens...

I told Joyanna the situation just now. Her input: "At least we'd get to see what a cowbird chick looks like!" *sigh* I guess I won't be helping it disappear.