Abandoned Dunnock eggs

[twitter-7]

I'm new to ornithology, and was delighted to watch a dunnock spend a day making a nest in a dense bush in our very small suburban garden. However, next day all was quiet, and I noticed a magpie very close to the bush. When gingerly peering into the bush later in the day there was a lovely empty nest - but no sign of bird. Next day we looked again, and there was one pale blue egg in it, but no sign of the dunnock. A couple of days later there were four pale blue eggs and still no bird!! I have read dunnocks are promiscuous, so does this mean she was playing some strange strategic game to attract more males, or just got frightened away? But why come back to lay more eggs and not sit on them all day? Maybe she comes at night to sit, but is that sufficient for the survival of the eggs? Please can someone shed some light on this puzzle?

[wildwood]

She'll rely on her cryptic colouring to hide her from magpies etc. Although you may not think so, the bird knows that you know she is there and can see you coming so slinks off the nest so it may appear empty. They also frequently don't start the incubating process until all the eggs are laid.
You'd do best to leave her alone and let her sit in peace. If disturbed too much she may abondon the eggs and never come back.

[twitter-7]

Thank you so much. Your comments were most enlightening. I had no idea they do not always sit on the eggs until all are laid.

I will certainly keep my distance in future, but a bit difficult as it is right next to the shed. Hope I haven't already unwittingly frightened her off.

The weather forecast is rain for a few days, so will keep out of the garden!

[bizzylizzy]

It's more than likely the Magpie took the eggs. Sadly they will also take fledglings. Now it knows where to look it might well be back, I hope not, it's wonderful to watch the birds and if you have a nest in your garden, even better.