Cardinal Nest at Mr. and Mrs. Ed's

I guesseit does look like there are still 4 egs. the ne hatchling must be just stretching its wobbly self around ^_^

I'm sorry to say that a cat got to this nest today, going after the mother. It knocked the nest to the ground. there are no survivors.

Oh my God! That must be why Momma kept leaving as soon as she would return when i was watching. Oh Marna, I am soooo sorry for this loss. I now you must be heartbroken.
Darned loose cats! I do not know why people cannot keep their cats in for the few weeks of nesting and fledging each spring. they are the #1 killer of songbirds. And this momma had such a safe place.
Was there a railing near the nest?
Sorry...we do not need any details. Please forgive me for asking.....but if it might help anyone else, then.....

awww...so sorry!

maybe they'll rebuild?

Unless I missunderstood, the cat went after the mother and nest and there were no survivors. Sounds like only a lone male Pappa remains

oh...dang loose cats!

(huggs)

Sorry to hear about, the little Cardinal family, Marna. There are certain things, we have no control over. Wishing you the best.

So sorry to hear that Marna. :-(

Oh...my goodness that is sooo sad. I know you were so enjoying this. Big ((( HUG)))....

Such a tragedy. I spoke to Marna. Fred and Ethel seem to be OK. I don't think the cat actually managed to get hold of Ethel, although she lost several tail feathers. None of the babies survived.

Ditto to what Margaret said. Mom and Pop are good. They hung around for quite a while after. I'll look for them today at the feeder. Fred had an identifying black feather marking around his face.

Thanks for the hugs and good thoughts. It was tough to get to sleep. I kept thinking about ways in which I could have prevented this. meh.

Regarding rebuilding, I read a couple of things previously about nesting. Firstly, cardinals easily abandon nests. This explains why last year a nest in the hedge was abandoned even with 4 eggs. It was in the neighbor's hedge just next to a big patch of catnip and cats were always around there. Secondly, cardinals do not appear to reuse the nest for subsequent broods. So combination of those things, no chance that I'll see them rebuild here. Certainly she will nest again. Not so sure why they build so close to the ground though.

I don't think she knew that the cat was there. As it happened, she was feeding the first baby. I don't think I'd like to be a bird. Sure is tough to get by.

So anyway. Sad ending to a fun story.

I think I am learning that in nautre there are more sad endings than happy endings. But it sure makes the happy ones really happy.

Yes, I certainly will cherish the happily ever afters more now. Makes me think how really lucky Dave is to have seen such success with his blues.

So sad, but I am glad Ethel survived. I to have wonder why some birds nest near the ground.

So sorry :(

Marna, I'm so sorry this happened. I know exactly how it felt because a feral cat got our first Bluebird babies. Hopefully they will nest somewhere near and you will be able to see their young when they fledge.

Barb

Had some baby Robins in my Blue Spruce a few years ago. The nest was a little lower, then eye level. I took a picture of the 4 newly hatched babies. I was so looking forward to seeing them fledged But it never happened. The next morning the nest was empty, that saddened me. I figured it might have been maybe, a bird or squirrel, that got to them.

Nature is so cruel! Grrr.

I'd feel better if I saw Ethel today. I've seen Fred a couple of times. Maybe she's off looking for another nest site.

I'm sorry to have 'read' the news. Mrs. Ed. I'm glad Ethel and Fred are okay however.

Ooooh, I'm so sorry, Mrs. Ed. :( I'm very glad Fred & Ethel are ok, though.

~Kristy