[CT Birds] Eggshells for brooding females

[Pam Holden]

I read an article a while ago that said if you wanted to keep birds like 
Blue Jays from eating eggs from bird nests, to feed them eggshells. 
Apparently they need/crave the calcium.  So I don't think it's just a female 
thing.

Pam Holden
Colchester



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kathy Van Der Aue" <kvda at optonline.net>
To: <ctbirds at lists.ctbirding.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:17 PM
Subject: [CT Birds] Eggshells for brooding females


> For years I have put empty eggshells out in the spring (after microwaving
> them for a minute first in case of salmonella).  They disappear quickly 
> and
> I think the females must realize they need the extra calcium.  Today I
> noticed a bluejay and a male Red-winged blackbird eating them and then
> carrying off pieces.  I wonder if these are going to mates? ("Here, Dear,
> your calcium tablet.  Take it please.")
>
> Kathy Van Der Aue, Southport, CT
> kvda at optonline.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) 
> for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut.
> For subscription information visit 
> http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org
>