Active incubation (male and female taking turns sitting on the eggs) often does not begin until the 2nd or 3rd egg, because the eggs are inert until they are incubated. On a warm day many moments will pass without incubation, but on a cold day in a matter of moments all could be lost if incubation is interrupted. On Monday, March 13, before the second egg was laid, our penpal and volunteer peregrine falcon nest monitor for 15 years, Scott Wright, visited the nestsite and reported that the weather was cold and rainy. SW sat tight on her precious new egg to keep it warm and dry.
Here's an idea for kids who like to read. A popular book called "Frightful's Mountain", by Jean Craighead George, is a story about a peregrine falcon named Frightful and how she makes her way in the world, including having her first chicks. It's a dramatic story told from the bird's point of view. Lots of kids like this book, and it will help make learning about peregrines more real.
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams.
Photos are courtesy of Scott Wright, volunteer peregrine nest monitor. They may be used by children for school and/or personal projects, but please give Mr. Wright photo credit. All others must contact Mr. Wright directly for permission to use his photos.
Buckeye stayed close by to watch over his family.
Then Buckeye took over at the nest …….
And SW waited to deliver her second egg.
The second egg was laid sometime during the night of March 13 -14. Here is the proud dad with his two eggs.
Mr. Wright tells us that, “The male will smell his new egg to get its scent.... I once saw a male tasting the egg, opening up his beak and gently touching the egg with his tongue!!”
