While there are still no eggs in the nest box, Ares and Vera have remained quite active, engaging in all the classic breeding behaviors we expect to see during the first part of the breeding season. In recent days, they’ve also resumed nestbox guarding—something we hadn’t seen much of lately—suggesting a renewed sense of investment in the site.
Perhaps the most intriguing development has been the emergence of “practice incubation.” Vera has taken to lying down in the box as if brooding a clutch, and during one such moment, Ares decided it was his turn. He stepped directly on Vera’s tail, prompting her to stand up so he could settle in on the imaginary eggs himself. Will any real eggs appear this season? It’s impossible to say. But for now, they’re rehearsing their roles with convincing dedication.
