Disappearing robin eggs

Jessica Damiano | Garden Detective

June 5, 2008

Robins usually lay two or three clutches by July. (Associated Press Photo / June 5, 2008)

A robin built a nest in a shrub outside my front door. One recent Friday, there were four eggs in the nest. I was away for the weekend, and on Monday there were no eggs. Obviously they didn't hatch and fly away over the weekend. What do you think happened to them? -- Barbara Haake

A Robins (Turdus migratorius) are migratory birds belonging to the thrush family. I knew the exact minute they returned to my garden early this spring, as they started waking me up every morning at exactly 4:30. Experience tells me this will continue throughout the summer. While their song is sweet, I do wish they came equipped with a snooze button.

Robins start breeding almost immediately after arriving home in April, usually laying two or three clutches by July. Each clutch typically comprises four eggs, easily recognizable as belonging to the species by their blue color.

Eggs don't just walk away. In fact, after their 14-day incubation period, robins hatch and hang around for about two weeks before flying off.

Jessica Damiano Bio | E-mail | Recent columns

Unfortunately, I think the great circle of life is responsible for your missing eggs: They probably ended up victim to a hungry squirrel, raccoon or larger bird.

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