And then there were three! Mom laid her final egg of 2020 tonight at 5:59 PM CT. Mom is almost seventeen years old and this is the 36th egg she has laid on the territory. <3
March 4, 2020: Mom in the end stage of egg labor
Videos
Mom lays her third egg tonight: https://youtu.be/cmtXD1xr3HU. This video is a treat for the eyes and the ears! Listen to the nest’s many neighbors – especially the starlings – as Mom goes into her final stage of egg-labor. We can clearly see her contractions intensifying as she flattens out, especially as we approach the seventh minute. At 7:07, she leans forward, softly chirping as she begins the final push. I might be imagining things, but I believe you can hear the egg land in the nest at 8:42.
Mom lays her third egg, but doesn’t give us look! https://youtu.be/UkSr4iFmhAs. As Elaine notes, Mom settles back down over all three eggs and falls into a deep, well-deserved slumber.
Mom’s third egg: https://youtu.be/TmJctKUemrk
So when will the first egg hatch at our sites? It’s always a guesstimate and hatch is a process, not a sharply defined event, but based on past history:
- In Decorah, first hatch is most likely to happen on April 4th
- At Decorah North, first hatch is most likely to happen on March 28
- At Xcel Fort St. Vrain, first hatch is most likely to happen on March 24
Congratulations to all of our eagle Moms and Dads, who work so hard to lay eggs and care for their young! I am so thankful to be able to get a glimpse into their lives: sometimes difficult, still fascinating after all these years, and always – always – magnificent! I’m toasting John and all of our volunteers and fans, and pouring one out for Bob. Thank you so much for watching, learning, and caring, and thanks to LisaG and Matisse for tonight’s caps. We’ll add more video as they come in! rusbank.net
