Pruning accidentally disturbs Walnut Creek hummingbird nest

DEAR JOAN: I accidentally cut off a very high fern frond not knowing there was a tiny nest attached. It has an egg in it. I believe it is a hummingbird nest.

I don’t know what to do with it. I’m afraid to set it down outside for fear an animal will destroy it. The egg looks like a white jelly bean. Is there a chance I could put the frond outside, and the mom will find it?

Shirley McGrath, Walnut Creek

DEAR SHIRLEY: Unfortunately, it’s likely too much time has passed. The mother has almost certainly looked for the nest and not being able to find it, has moved on. The egg might be viable up to two weeks after it was laid, but it’s not likely the mama bird will return to begin incubating.

In the future, if you accidentally disturb a nest, immediately put it back where it was or as close as you can get. The mother might still abandon the nest, but there’s a good chance that she will continue with her work.

This serves as a reminder that we need to be careful when doing any pruning at this time of year. Obviously, some plants need spring pruning, but always look closely to make sure an animal isn’t using that particular branch before snipping.

Two takes on the “fake dead crow” gambit

DEAR JOAN: Quite a few people have been writing to you about crow/raven issues. I did have a crow problem until I bought a fake dead crow.

I went in with my neighbor, and we share “Edgar” as needed, which has been rare after the first use. The fake dead crow works really well, if you use it properly.

Crows are smart. You just have to be smarter. Put the fake dead crow out at night, so they don’t see you placing it. I have a street light that shines in my yard so I put a dark towel over the fake bird when I carry it out.

Two, lay the fake crow on the ground near the birdbath or other area you want them to stay away from. Crows don’t hang themselves, as it’s been suggested to do in your column, so hanging this fake bird will not have the same effect as a real looking, fake dead crow on the ground.

Three, leave the fake crow undisturbed on the ground for three days.

The fake crow worked beautifully for me. The next morning after placing it, there was a murder of crows in the trees, on top of the lamp post and the roof of my house all making a racket with their cawing. It was actually amazing to see and hear. This went on for a little bit, and then they all flew away. I left the fake crow on the ground for three days and an occasional crow flew by, but none landed. My bird bath has been safe for the small birds since.

One additional note: If you will be using it in your front yard, place a sign out front to let your neighbors, letter carriers, visitors, etc. know that the dead bird is fake. Concerned citizens have been known to report a “dead” crow to vector control. No need to worry about the sign, crows can’t read (they’re not that smart).

Susan Silver, San Jose