Easter Egg Challenge

Posted April 1, 2021 by Sasha, Wildlife Technician

Easter is an exciting time for the re-emergence of plants and wildlife, including the arrival of baby birds.

With more babies comes more danger. Momma birds work hard to keep their babies safe, but living in an urban environment brings a lot of challenges. That is why Spring and Summer is the busiest time at Wildlife Rescue. Every year we admit thousands of nestlings and fledglings in need!

Different species have different methods of keeping their eggs safe. Birds like Bushtits build pendant nests – elaborately woven sacks that dangle from branches, giving the baby birds in the nest great protection from predators. Conversely, some birds aren’t that good at making nests. A nest made by a Pigeons could easily be mistaken for a few misplaced sticks and straw!

During Spring, it’s important to be on the look-out for baby birds and their nests and to avoid disturbing them!

Think your bird ID skills are expert? Test your wildlife knowledge with this Easter Egg Challenge!

Guess the species these eggs came from!

Easter Eggs #1 Hint: These beautiful little blue eggs inspired a colour name! The colouring comes from pigments within the mother’s blood! Talk about putting in blood, sweat and tears into raising your young!

Easter Eggs #2 Hint: This species typically lays two eggs which are about the size of navy beans! They are laid in a soft nest made from plant down and spider webs.

Easter Eggs #3 Hint: These speckled eggs provide great camouflage against the environment of the nest. These chicks are born with their eyes open and are capable of leaving the nest soon after hatching!

Easter Eggs #4 Hint: These eggs are laid in large nests, typically in wetlands. Once hatched, the offspring will stay with its parents all through the winter, only separating the following spring!