A very small pip in one of the eggs has been reported by Mr. Scott Wright, volunteer nest monitor. A "pip" is a small hole that the young bird inside the egg has made with its special egg tooth.
According to Mr. Harvey Webster, Director of Wildlife Resources at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, “It generally takes 24-48 hours between the onset of the pip and actual hatching. The parents do not assist in the hatching process”. You can watch the FalconCams for signs that point towards hatching. In the last few days before the hatch, the female often does not want to leave the nest and chases the male away if he offers to take over incubation. You may also notice that the parents sit on the eggs with their backs arched, and sometimes they seem to be listening to their eggs. Are the little ones peeping inside???
Mr. Wright offers the following hatching information: “Look for an eggshell, but do it quick as the female will often eat the eggshell, and move the shell about, often picking it up with her beak. Yes, eggs can hatch out during the night. The hairline cracks will indicate that a hatch is under way”.
Earth Day is on April 22nd. For the past few years, the falcons have helped us celebrate Earth Week with hatching eggs. Keep your eyes and browser set on:
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams.
Photos are courtesy of Scott Wright, volunteer peregrine nest monitor. Videos are courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Saladin, volunteer peregrine nest monitors. They may be used by children for school and/or personal projects, but please give photo and video credit.
