We are now one day outside the start of our hatch window. On Thursday, incubation will have reached 28 days. With our Peregrines, the eggs usually begin hatching at the 32-33 day mark. Of course, we will be watching the nest intently for signs that an egg has been “pipped”. Look for a small white spot to appear. This is an indication that a chick has used its egg tooth to breach the egg shell. Sometimes a pipped egg doesn’t hatch for more than a day, but often enough it hatches on the same day. When it’s chilly out like it has been today, the falcons are rarely off the eggs long enough for us to get a good look at them, but we will do our best. As I mentioned, today was quite chilly and windy in the canyon and one or the other falcons kept tight on the eggs throughout the day. No food exchanges were seen today, nor were any exiting chases or escort maneuvers witnessed. All in all it was a no-drama kind of day. The last switch of the day took place at 6:41 when Astrid took over on the eggs. Ares went over to the State Building for a while before ultimately flying off to his night perch.
The falcon cam at my son’s office in KC shows this year’s brood of four. They are a few days ahead of our Astrid and Aries. All four hatched in three days!
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