House Finch nesting help! (1 Viewer)

[PDS63]

I have a House Finch couple who built their nest in a hanging fern on my porch. I was able to install a camera over the nest the evening before she started laying eggs. The male was around and very excited during nest building but hasn't been around for a while. She had four eggs and then one day she had two. Then it seems she laid another so there are three. I think she's been trying to incubate them for several days but the male has not been around. She has only briefly left her nest the last two days and I think she goes to find the mate because it seems he follows her back. But he doesn't stay around and I do not see him coming to feed her at all. I'm concerned that he has abandoned her. Another couple is building a nest in one of my other hanging ferns. I do not disturb them and do not use that door to enter my house. Anyone know what may be going on?

 

[KC Foggin]

Just a thought but how big/wide is the camera lens. Could it be possible that the male is seeing its reflection and assuming it's another male over the nest?

I see this is your first post so a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

If you don't mind, could you keep us updated on the outcome to this situation?

 

[PDS63]

Just a thought but how big/wide is the camera lens. Could it be possible that the male is seeing its reflection and assuming it's another male over the nest?

I see this is your first post so a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

If you don't mind, could you keep us updated on the outcome to this situation?

Thank you for your reply, it's a small camera and hanging a few feet above the Nest. I don't think seeing a reflection on it would even be possible. But thanks for the comment! I'll keep everyone updated

 

[KC Foggin]

Thank you for your reply, it's a small camera and hanging a few feet above the Nest. I don't think seeing a reflection on it would even be possible. But thanks for the comment! I'll keep everyone updated

Thanks much PDS!

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum!

 

[PYRTLE]

If the male follows her back then it's unlikely he has abandoned the nest. He's probably watching from a nearby position and thus avoiding drawing any unwanted attention from a likely predator of eggs or an incubating parent. Sitting birds do leave the nest for a short while to have a drink and quick "brush up". Further mating probably also occurs to complete the clutch and continue pair bonding The odd thing is the disappearance of two eggs from a clutch of four - did the camera record how this occurred?