Hummingbird eggs and nest?

Question: Hi,
I have a hummingbird nest in my front hanging pansy pot. It appears that there are two sets of two eggs each: two smaller off white eggs and two slightly larger white eggs speckled with brown dots.  I am concerned that I maximize the chances of mom returning. I’ve scoured the internet but can not find this type of situation. Advice?  Thanks!

responder: Elliot Nelson Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Michigan State University Extension Phone/Cell: 906-322-0353 Email: elliotne@msu.edu | Web: miseagrant.umich.edu| msue.msu.edu  Address: Center for Freshwater Research and Education - 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.    Replied May 16, 2023, 9:50 AM EDT
response: I'm not sure this is a hummingbird nest given the size of the nest and the eggs in your picture (Ruby-throated Humming bird, which is the only species that nest in Michigan, lay eggs around 0.5 inches in tightly wound nests made of fine fibers like spider webs. You can read more on their nests and species here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/lifehistory   I can't tell from your picture what type of nest exactly you might have there, but the brown speckled eggs are most likely Brown-headed cowbird eggs. Cowbirds are a parasitic nesting species that will lay there eggs in another species nest and allow that other species parents to raise their young. Although humans often bristle at the idea of this, it is important to remember that non-human species do not adhere to human  morality. Human morality is adhered to exclusively by humans, whereas non-human species have their own unique biology that drive their behaviors. With that in mind, cowbirds are a migratory species and protected by the migratory bird treaty so it would be illegal to try and remove their eggs in the state of Michigan without a permit. You can read more on cowbirds here: https://nestwatch.org/learn/general-bird-nest-info/brown-headed-cowbirds/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 10:03 AM EDT
response: This is the best answer ever!  Compassion for all!! Thank you!!Sent from my iPhone On May 16, 2023, at 9:50 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Elliot Nelson Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Michigan State University Extension Phone/Cell: 906-322-0353 Email: elliotne@msu.edu | Web: miseagrant.umich.edu| msue.msu.edu  Address: Center for Freshwater Research and Education - 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.    Replied May 16, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
response: No problem, happy to help :) For more info on nesting birds and how you can help support them, check out Nest Watch, a great research from Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://nestwatch.org/