This morning Terzo kept four eggs warm at the Cathedral of Learning peregrine nest while Hope left to eat breakfast.
Here he is showing off the sharp contrast between his gray back and his black head and wing tips. Hope’s feathers do not contrast as much.
Does this mean incubation has begun? Terzo’s action is a good indication that this may be the first day of incubation, but the pair’s activities will tell the tale. We’ll know for sure when they’re on the eggs nearly 24×7.
How long until the eggs hatch?
Incubation lasts about 33 days. If today is the first day of incubation, watch for hatching around May 6. (Note that hatch date predictions are never exact!)
(photo from the National Aviary snapshot camera at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Oh my, what happy news to read about the fourth egg. Thanks for the update. If incubation has begun, we could have an eyas or two by Mother’s Day!
Terzo’s markings are really beautiful. Not only the contrast of color, but also the heart-shaped white of his cheeks. Much easier to tell the difference between him and Hope.
So if incubation has begun we may still see another egg, correct?
Liz, yes, we might see another egg. It is also possible that Hope has laid her last egg. The re-coupling complicates things so we’ll just have to wait and see.
Oh, I am so happy to see Terzo !!! He is handsome and looks like he will be a good Dad !
I have been checking in many times a day to see him but never was able to find him in view ! Heard him many times and Hope responding to his calls , Nice to have a family again !!
I know this is asking alot but are you able to post side by side pictures of hope and terzo so we can see the difference? I am able to tell the difference between mom and dad eagles but not the falcons.
Nicole, I will do that this coming week.
Thank you so much!
Was Hope previously protecting her first 3 eggs but not actually incubating yet? (Sorry if you answered this already Kate).
Stacey, I do not know — even the experts weren’t sure. We’ll have to wait and see.
Hi Kate, please forgive me for putting this question in the wrong spot. This afternoon around 1:45 Hope flew off the nest and Terzo came in. He seemed very upset and on high alert. As of 3:15pm Hope was still not back and Terzo has been chirping alot. I wondered if you knew if something happened.
janet luzell, Terzo brought Hope some lunch at 1:45pm so she flew off the nest so she could eat it. This is normal. He took over incubation duty, as he should! That’s his job. Male peregrines typically take over incubation in the early afternoon. Females typically incubate all night.
Terzo has many reasons for staying alert. He might not feel sleepy and/or he might be wondering/asking Hope if she wants to come back to the eggs. When he is chirping he is looking right at Hope and talking to her. She is above the camera though you cannot see her.
THANK YOU SO MUCH KATE! I was afraid it was an intruder and something happened.