New egg in with baby humming birds question??

Hi everyone, haven't been on here in awhile although I do skulk around on occasion.;~)

A humming bird built a nest in an ornament hanging in front of a patio door at my friends house in Tucson, 2 eggs were laid, around March 14. Both eggs hatched and the babies are doing fine.

There has been another female always hanging around the nest, while the mother was sitting on the nest, the other female would come and sit on the edge of the nest and peck at the mother.Today my friend was surprised to see another egg in the nest with the baby's. Has anybody seen this odd behavior before or heard about it?

The photo was taken by quietyard.

Thanks.

Margaret

Very peculiar!

Never heard of anything like this before.

Resin

Darn, I was really hoping you would know the answer for sure Resin. Thanks.

Weird! She must be watching Cowbirds. Has the second female left or is she still hanging around?

Hahahah!! She is still hanging around.

Thanks for posting the question for me Margaret ! Any one who has questions for me about this strange behavior I will check in from time to time to answer .

Linda

Your welcome Linda, glad to be of help.

Margaret

While they deal mostly with Ruby-throats, maybe email Hilton Pond?

http://www.hiltonpond.org/

Thank you for the info Mrs_Ed I did send them an e-mail this evening.

Linda

This message was edited Apr 9, 2011 8:01 PM

MIght also try your state's Audubon society. They might have a hummingbird expert.

Maybe it is a "last years child" and she is looking for instruction from her momma...??

A little update on the hummingbird next with the extra egg. On April 21 the two babies flew off. I caught a glimpse of one of them on the patio near the nest with the other one still on the nest. An hour or so later they were both gone. To my surprise under them was not just one egg but two !! Both Mom's abandoned the two remaining eggs and they never hatched. Mom # 1 still feeds here but I have not seen her babies.

Thanks for the update q !

Does sound like a "yearling" that wasn't sure what to do and was asking "mom" for help.
Too bad the others didn't get a chance.

Wow what a story. Wildlife always amazes me. It is too bad the other 2 didn't make it.

It was quite an adventure but sad the other two eggs were abandoned. I wish some expert could tell me how often this happens. Thanks for the interest to those who commented ! :-)