May 29, 2006

NestCam II Ends in Tragedy :(

I woke up this morning, turned on NestCam II and was greeted by this image:

I've seen one of the parent robins return twice in the last five minutes with a big worm in its mouth and examine the nest in a very perplexed manner. On that basis, I can't say whether it happened hours ago or in the last few minutes. I checked outside and there is no sign of any of them on the ground near the nest nor do I see a snake anywhere nearby. I honestly have NO idea what took all four baby birds between late last night (when we last saw them) and now.

I was also planning some very high resolution photographic stills today when the light was right. :(

Obviously, this is the harsh reality of bird survival in nature. It's just especially sad to have to witness it quite this way when we had such a great vantage point for watching the little buggers grow up.

I've no idea if robins are inclined to raise another brood in the same nest, but I obviously won't disturb the one that is there in hopes of re-use. If that happens, I'll be ready and we'll watch things from the egg laying and beyond this time.

Thanks to all those who "tuned in" and rest assured that I'll do NestCam III if the opportunity presents itself!

- Aaron

P.S. This obviously makes me feel especially cruddy about my original snarky title from last week. Remind me not to do that next time...