The Adopted One

Unfortunately, this has been a too common site this spring. The

cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other species, which usually

hatch before the others. Consequently, they outcompete the host's

young for food. I haven't seen a single young cardinal this year.

Nice work .. ice

Very nice shot, sad story. I have a lot of cowbirds and haven't seen a

cardinal since winter, now I know why. Have been trying to get a good shot of a cowbird, perhaps I shouldn't patronize them...

It would probably be better if you shot them with a gun instead of a camera, Mary. I had a lot of them a month or two ago...just around the time all of the different birds were laying eggs. One of my feeders was full of mixed bird seed and that was the one they always went to. After a couple of weeks, I wised up and started putting nothing but sunflower seeds in it like I had been doing with my other feeder. Ever since the very next day, I never saw another adult cowbird. Just something to think about if you are using a mix of small bird seed.

That would explain it, I have been putting out a mix. These birds may have one redeeming quality. I have horses and New Hampshire is a flying insect utopia.

These birds walk at the horses feet and jump up to eat flys and gnats. I imagine they got their name from shadowing cows in the same manner. That being said, I'll change my mix and they can eat bugs!

That's great they at least have some beneficial use for you. Your horses will probably also thank you for changing their diet to strictly insects.

Scott this is an amazeing shot; one in a milllion