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Update on bluebird chick interloper



Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies to my query!  I had heard of
cowbirds and their predatory egg laying habits, but didn't think they were
this far South or East.  Apparently they are everywhere in the continental
US and are the only known brood parasites of song birds.  In addition to
what everyone here told me, I googled "brown headed cowbird" and found some
useful information at http://birds.cornell.edu/bfl/speciesaccts/bnhcow.html.

After I told my partner what was going on, he looked horrified and took care
of it. I won't go into the details. We're both pretty upset about it. He
apologized profusely for not letting me get rid of the egg when I had the
chance.  The cowbird chick was the same size as the bluebird chicks, so I
think I identified the situation early enough to help. Three bluebird chicks
are still alive and the parents are definitely still active with the nest.
I'll be monitoring the situation and reporting back to the group on the
bluebirds' progress.  They are such beautiful birds.  I've heard that
bluebirds love meal worms, so I'll get a supply for the parents - maybe that
will help with the survival of the remaining chicks.

Again, thank you everyone for your thoughtful, prompt and thorough replies.
I'm enjoying this group immensely.  I'm just a backyard birder, but already
I've learned so much.

Jenny Richards
Hillsborough, NC
jennyrichards@nc.rr.com